Trip Report: Spanish Pyrenees, May 22 - June 1, 1998

Peter Jones, Milton Keynes, England; peter.jones@pdj.powernet.co.uk

Introduction

This 10 day holiday was planned to enable me to hopefully see a large number of Western European species that have so far eluded me (including Little Bittern, Gull-Billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Red-backed Shrike, Subalpine Warbler, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse), plus, the chance of seeing the Pyrenees specialities for the first time.

A return flight was booked from London, Luton to Barcelona, and a hire car was booked with Holiday Autos. Accommodation was not booked in advance. I stayed in single star Hotels and Hostels depending on where I ended the day.

Sites were primarily chosen using Gosney's Guide Northern Spain. Many birds were seen by stopping at suitable looking roadside locations.

Itinerary

22/5/98 Travelled to Barcelona
23/5/98 Osera and Zaragoza Plains a.m.
23/5/98 Ebro Delta p.m.
24/5/98 Ebro Delta
25/5/98 Ebro Delta a.m.
25/5/98 Zaragoza Plains p.m.
26/5/98 to 31/5/98 Pyrenees (Area around Jaca - Astun - Hecho - Arrête Pierre St. Martin)
1/6/98 Return Barcelona to Luton.

Part 1: Systematic List

  1. Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 between 11:00 and 13:00.

  2. Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
    c.4 at Lagoon de la Estanca on 23/05/1998 at 13:00.

  3. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
    c.10 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.
    4 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 between 11:00 and 13:00.

  4. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.

  5. Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
    3 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 at 17:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  6. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
    2 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.
    2 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.

  7. Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
    2 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 between 11:00 and 13:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 at 17:00.

  8. Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 at 17:00.
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 25/05/1998 between 8:00 and 11:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  9. Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
    c.2 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00. Very smart bird. About moorhen size, very colourful patterning in flight as per Lars Jonsson. Seen occasionally on reed stems.
    4 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  10. White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
    4 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30. Nesting on church spire in Osera Village. .

  11. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
    28 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.
    4 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.

  12. Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
    4 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.

  13. Gadwall (Anas strepera)
    2 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 at 17:00.

  14. Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
    c.30 at Lagoon de la Estanca on 23/05/1998 at 13:00.
    4 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.

  15. Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina)
    c.40 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.

  16. European Honey-buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 15:30 and 17:30.
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.
    1 at Anso Valley on 31/05/1998 at 11:00.

  17. Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
    2 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 26/05/1998 between 14:00 and 15:00.
    1 at Hotel Aragon on 29/05/1998 at 8:00.
    1 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.
    1 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  18. Black Kite (Milvus migrans migrans)
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 26/05/1998 between 14:00 and 15:00.

  19. Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00. Gliding overhead. Amazing profile: long wings, wedge shaped tail. Adult.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 16:00 and 17:00. Adult Perched on rock.
    2 adult at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 30/05/1998 between 17:30 and 19:00.
    3 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  20. Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
    2 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    3 at Anso Valley on 26/05/1998 between 14:00 and 15:00. In a field. Very close. and very tame. Obviously food in area.
    1 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.
    3 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 16:00 and 17:00.
    1 at Binies Valley on 28/05/1998 between 19:30 and 22:00.
    3 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 30/05/1998 between 17:30 and 19:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 31/05/1998 at 11:00.

  21. Eurasian Griffon-vulture (Gyps fulvus)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    c.10 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    4 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    c.6 at Anso Valley on 26/05/1998 between 14:00 and 15:00.
    2 at Binies Valley on 26/05/1998 between 18:30 and 19:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.
    1 at Bernues on 28/05/1998 between 11:00 and 12:00.
    2 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.
    6 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 16:00 and 17:00.
    c.15 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.
    c.20 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 30/05/1998 between 17:30 and 19:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 31/05/1998 at 11:00.
    1 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  22. Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus gallicus)
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    1 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  23. Western Marsh-harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
    1 female at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 between 11:00 and 13:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 at 17:00.

  24. Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)
    1 adult male at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.

  25. Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 27/05/1998 between 11:00 and 14:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 30/05/1998 between 17:30 and 19:00.

  26. Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00. High Overhead, soaring.
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00. Performing aerial acrobatics.

  27. Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 15:30 and 17:30.
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  28. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
    2 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  29. Bonelli's Eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus)
    1 at Anso Valley on 26/05/1998 between 14:00 and 15:00. Fairly large. Typical eagle shape, seen soaring high. Head and breast white. Tail dark grey, underwings dark with lighter flashes of secondaries. Back seen briefly: uniform brown.

  30. Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30. Nice light phase bird.

  31. Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
    2 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.
    3 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    c.5 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  32. Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
    1 at Astun on 27/05/1998 between 9:30 and 10:00.
    1 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.
    1 at Astun on 29/05/1998 between 12:30 and 14:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  33. Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)
    1 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.
    1 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.

  34. Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)
    1 heard at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 heard at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    c.4 heard at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  35. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
    2 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  36. Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.
    3 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  37. Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    4 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.
    6 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 between 11:00 and 13:00.
    3 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  38. Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.
    2 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.

  39. Stone-curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus)
    1 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30. Chasing a Fox from area.

  40. Collared Pratincole (Glareola pratincola)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.

  41. Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)
    2 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.
    3 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.

  42. Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.

  43. Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.

  44. Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.

  45. Audouin's Gull (Larus audouinii)
    1 adult summer at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 at 16:00.

  46. Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans [argentatus])
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.
    6 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.

  47. Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.

  48. Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.

  49. Slender-billed Gull (Larus genei)
    c.40 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.
    2 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 25/05/1998 between 8:00 and 11:00.

  50. Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica)
    c.12 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00. Very easy to identify at close range. Heavy black bill.
    3 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.

  51. Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00. Very large. Giant red bill.

  52. Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis)
    2 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.

  53. Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
    2 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.

  54. Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)
    2 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.
    3 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.
    2 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 25/05/1998 between 8:00 and 11:00.

  55. Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.
    c.10 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.
    3 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 25/05/1998 between 8:00 and 11:00.

  56. Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
    2 adult summer at Lagoon de la Estanca on 23/05/1998 at 13:00. Seen very well. Black head and belly, white rear. Grey wings.

  57. Black-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis)
    4 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00. Flying around valley. Black-bellies seen briefly. Also lack of pin-tail is diagnostic here.

  58. Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.

  59. European Turtle-dove (Streptopelia turtur)
    6 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  60. Eurasian Collared-dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  61. Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius)
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  62. Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 27/05/1998 between 11:00 and 14:00.
    1 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  63. Little Owl (Athene noctua)
    1 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    1 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  64. European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
    4 at Binies Valley on 28/05/1998 between 19:30 and 22:00. Sitting in road (quiet lane). Unbelievably close views down to about 1 metre from headlights. One flew for a moth in the headlights. Also had good views of Whit flashes in wings and tail. Probably an experience never to be repeated.

  65. Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba)
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.
    2 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  66. Common Swift (Apus apus)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    4 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    2 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    c.10 at Binies Valley on 26/05/1998 between 18:30 and 19:00.
    1 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  67. European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
    6 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    2 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 at 17:00.
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  68. Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    4 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    3 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  69. Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius)
    2 at Pierre St.Martin on 27/05/1998 between 14:30 and 16:00. Flushed from close range. Open face. Slightly smaller than GS Woodpecker. especially wings, which also appeared rounder with heavy barring. Call also diagnostic with Roche CD.

  70. Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.
    1 at Binies Valley on 28/05/1998 between 19:30 and 22:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  71. Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
    1 heard at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30. Violent drumming.
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 29/05/1998 between 15:30 and 16:00. Lousy views of this one, flew over my head: all black, crow size. Then saw a shape shinning up the bark of a tree.

  72. Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra)
    4 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.
    c.10 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    c.10 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  73. Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla [cinerea])
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  74. Lesser Short-toed Lark (Calandrella rufescens)
    1 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.

  75. Dupont's Lark (Chersophilus duponti)
    4 heard at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30. Status, L. Unmistakable Song. Unbelievably elusive. May have seen one descending in song flight.

  76. Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)
    2 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 23/05/1998 between 18:00 and 19:00.
    2 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  77. Thekla Lark (Galerida theklae [malabarica])
    1 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  78. Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 31/05/1998 at 11:00.

  79. Eurasian Crag-martin (Hirundo rupestris)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 15:30 and 17:30.
    3 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.
    2 at Hotel Aragon on 29/05/1998 at 8:00. Nesting in eaves of hotel. One perched very close on next balcony.
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.
    1 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  80. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    4 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    2 at Bernues on 28/05/1998 between 11:00 and 12:00.
    4 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    6 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  81. House Martin (Delichon urbica)
    4 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    4 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    6 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 15:30 and 17:30.
    5 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  82. Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)
    1 at Pierre St.Martin on 27/05/1998 between 14:30 and 16:00.
    2 at Astun on 29/05/1998 between 12:30 and 14:00.

  83. White Wagtail (Motacilla alba alba)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 at Astun on 27/05/1998 between 9:30 and 10:00.
    1 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.

  84. Blue-headed Wagtail (Motacilla flava flava)
    1 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 24/05/1998 between 8:00 and 10:00.
    3 at Sant Antoni Salt Pans on 25/05/1998 between 8:00 and 11:00.

  85. Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
    1 at Pierre St.Martin on 27/05/1998 between 14:30 and 16:00.
    1 at Binies Valley on 28/05/1998 between 19:30 and 22:00.
    1 at Astun on 29/05/1998 between 12:30 and 14:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  86. Winter Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 27/05/1998 between 11:00 and 14:00.

  87. Dunnock (Prunella modularis)
    2 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Astun on 27/05/1998 between 9:30 and 10:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.

  88. European Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 27/05/1998 between 11:00 and 14:00.
    1 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  89. Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)
    c.6 heard at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    c.6 heard at Binies Valley on 26/05/1998 between 18:30 and 19:00.
    3 heard at Bernues on 28/05/1998 between 11:00 and 12:00.
    1 heard at Binies Valley on 28/05/1998 between 19:30 and 22:00.
    2 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  90. Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
    3 male at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00. Singing on buildings.
    Astun on 27/05/1998 between 9:30 and 10:00.
    1 at Pierre St.Martin on 27/05/1998 between 14:30 and 16:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.
    2 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.
    1 at Binies Valley on 28/05/1998 between 19:30 and 22:00.
    2 at Astun on 29/05/1998 between 12:30 and 14:00.

  91. Common Stonechat (Saxicola torquata)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    1 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.
    1 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  92. Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura)
    1 adult male at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  93. Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    1 at Astun on 27/05/1998 between 9:30 and 10:00.
    4 at Pierre St.Martin on 27/05/1998 between 14:30 and 16:00.

  94. Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica)
    1 adult male at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    2 at Pierre St.Martin on 27/05/1998 between 14:30 and 16:00.

  95. Rock-thrush (Monticola saxatilis)
    1 male at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  96. Blue Rock-thrush (Monticola solitarius)
    1 male at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    1 male at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.

  97. Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula)
    4 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.
    1 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.

  98. Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.

  99. Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 29/05/1998 between 15:30 and 16:00.

  100. Cetti's Warbler (Cettia cetti)
    1 heard at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 heard at Binies Valley on 26/05/1998 between 18:30 and 19:00.

  101. Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)
    2 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.
    2 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 between 11:00 and 13:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 at 17:00.

  102. Savi's Warbler (Locustella luscinioides)
    1 adult male at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00. Seen reeling. Plain brown uppers. White below with a rounded tail.
    3 heard at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 between 11:00 and 13:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  103. Eurasian Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 between 11:00 and 13:00.

  104. Great Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 between 11:00 and 13:00.
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  105. Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta)
    1 adult male at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00. Singing, seen well.

  106. Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Binies Valley on 26/05/1998 between 18:30 and 19:00.
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 27/05/1998 between 11:00 and 14:00.

  107. Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.

  108. Common Whitethroat (Sylvia communis)
    1 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  109. Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala)
    1 male at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.

  110. Subalpine Warbler (Sylvia cantillans)
    1 male at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00. Initially identified by song. Then confirmed this by good views of bluish grey back, pink breast and white moustache.

  111. Spectacled Warbler (Sylvia conspicillata)
    1 adult male at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30. Singing.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  112. Dartford Warbler (Sylvia undata)
    1 at Anso Valley on 31/05/1998 at 11:00.

  113. Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 27/05/1998 between 11:00 and 14:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.

  114. Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.

  115. Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.

  116. Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
    1 at Binies Valley on 28/05/1998 between 19:30 and 22:00.

  117. Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)
    1 male at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00. Summer plumage male.

  118. Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 30/05/1998 between 17:30 and 19:00.

  119. Marsh Tit (Parus palustris palustris)
    6 at Forêt d'Issaux on 27/05/1998 between 11:00 and 14:00.

  120. Coal Tit (Parus ater)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.
    1 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  121. Crested Tit (Parus cristatus)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 29/05/1998 between 15:30 and 16:00.

  122. Great Tit (Parus major)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.

  123. Blue Tit (Parus caeruleus)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.

  124. Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.

  125. Wallcreeper (Tichodroma muraria)
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 15:30 and 17:30. Seen briefly in flight and skirting the walls of the gorge.
    2 at Hecho Valley on 28/05/1998 between 18:30 and 19:00. Two seen within 10 minutes of arrival in gorge.

  126. Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus) Probable
    1 male at Binies Valley on 28/05/1998 between 19:30 and 22:00. VERY Distant in flight. Golden/black coloured but too far to be certain.

  127. Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio [cristatus])
    2 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 15:30 and 17:30
    1 at Hecho Valley on 28/05/1998 between 18:30 and 19:00.
    1 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    2 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.
    3 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  128. Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
    2 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.

  129. Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  130. Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 27/05/1998 between 11:00 and 14:00.
    1 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  131. Black-billed Magpie (Pica pica)
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  132. Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)
    6 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    2 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    4 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.
    4 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.
    6 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  133. Yellow-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
    2 at Pierre St.Martin on 27/05/1998 between 14:30 and 16:00. Smaller, yellow beaks very obvious along with other key features, long tail etc.

  134. Eurasian Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)
    5 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  135. Carrion Crow (Corvus corone)
    2 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 15:30 and 17:30.
    1 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  136. Common Raven (Corvus corax)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 16:00 and 17:00.
    1 at Astun on 29/05/1998 between 12:30 and 14:00.
    1 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  137. Spotless Starling (Sturnus unicolor)
    c.20 at Osera on 23/05/1998 between 6:00 and 7:30.
    3 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 25/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  138. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
    4 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 23/05/1998 between 16:00 and 21:00.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    6 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.

  139. Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 at 17:00.
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.

  140. Rock Sparrow (Petronia petronia)
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00. Seen very well from car. .

  141. Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 15:30 and 17:30.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.

  142. European Serin (Serinus serinus)
    1 male at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 male at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    1 at Pierre St.Martin on 27/05/1998 between 14:30 and 16:00.
    4 at Bernues on 28/05/1998 between 11:00 and 12:00.
    4 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.
    4 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    2 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.
    4 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  143. Citril Finch (Serinus citrinella)
    2, 1 female , 1 male at Pierre St. Martin on 27/05/1998 between 14:30 and 16:00. Stopped in layby. Birds landed close by. Good views as per field guide then they flew off.
    2 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00. Brief but close views. Lighter call note, and predominantly green and grey.

  144. European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris)
    2 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 at 17:00.
    2 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  145. European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    4 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    2 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.
    1 at Bernues on 28/05/1998 between 11:00 and 12:00.

  146. Eurasian Linnet (Carduelis cannabina)
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    2 at Bernues on 28/05/1998 between 11:00 and 12:00.
    4 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.
    6 at Astun on 29/05/1998 between 12:30 and 14:00.

  147. Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
    2 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00.
    c.8 at Forêt d'Issaux on 27/05/1998 between 11:00 and 14:00.
    4 at Forêt d'Issaux on 29/05/1998 between 15:30 and 16:00.
    4 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

  148. Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)
    1 at Forêt d'Issaux on 29/05/1998 between 15:30 and 16:00.

  149. Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cirlus)
    1 adult male at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00. Heard singing initially, then seen perched on rocky wall.
    1 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 28/05/1998 between 9:00 and 10:30.
    2 at Riglos on 28/05/1998 between 12:00 and 14:00.
    1 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.

  150. Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia)
    2 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 26/05/1998 between 9:30 and 11:00. Seen briefly flitting into tree tops.
    1 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    1 at Monasterio San Juan de la Peña on 30/05/1998 between 17:30 and 19:00.
    2 at Ordessa National Park on 31/05/1998 between 13:00 and 19:00.

  151. Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)
    1 at L'Encanyissada Lagoon on 24/05/1998 at 17:00.

  152. Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra)
    1 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 23/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    2 at Laguna La Playa Steppes on 25/05/1998 between 13:00 and 18:00.
    4 at Hecho Valley on 26/05/1998 between 12:00 and 13:00.
    3 at Bernues on 28/05/1998 between 11:00 and 12:00.
    4 at Bernues on 29/05/1998 between 9:00 and 11:00.
    6 at Anso Valley on 30/05/1998 at 14:30.

Part 2: Birds Seen at Each Location

Osera 23/05/1998 6:00-7:30

Dawn, mild sunny.

Laguna La Playa Steppes 23/05/1998 9:00-11:00

Sunny mild.

Lagoon de la Estanca 23/05/1998 13:00

Hot sunny.

L'Encanyissada Lagoon 23/05/1998 16:00-21:00

Sunny to dusk.

Sant Antoni Salt Pans 23/05/1998 18:00-19:00

Sunny hot.

Sant Antoni Salt Pans 24/05/1998 8:00-10:00

Hot sunny.

L'Encanyissada Lagoon 24/05/1998 11:00-13:00

Hot sunny.

Sant Antoni Salt Pans 24/05/1998 16:00

Hot Sunny.

L'Encanyissada Lagoon 24/05/1998 17:00

Hot sunny.

Sant Antoni Salt Pans 25/05/1998 8:00-11:00

Sunny hot.

L'Encanyissada Lagoon 25/05/1998 9:00-11:00

Hot sunny.

Laguna La Playa Steppes 25/05/1998 13:00-18:00

Very hot, sunny.

Monasterio San Juan de la Peña 26/05/1998 9:30-11:00

Cloudy, bright spells.

Hecho Valley 26/05/1998 12:00-13:00

Sunny, hot.

Anso Valley 26/05/1998 14:00-15:00

Hot sunny.

Hecho Valley 26/05/1998 15:30-17:30

Hot Sunny.

Binies Valley 26/05/1998 18:30-19:00

Hot sunny.

Astun 27/05/1998 9:30-10:00

Thick fog, rain.

Forêt d'Issaux 27/05/1998 11:00-14:00

Sunny, mild.

Pierre St. Martin 27/05/1998 14:30-16:00

Rain, fog.

Monasterio San Juan de la Peña 28/05/1998 9:00-10:30

Drizzle, dull.

Bernues 28/05/1998 11:00-12:00

Showers.

Riglos 28/05/1998 12:00-14:00

Hot sunny.

Monasterio San Juan de la Peña 28/05/1998 16:00-17:00

Hot sunny windy.

Hecho Valley 28/05/1998 18:30-19:00

Sunny.

Binies Valley 28/05/1998 19:30-22:00

Sunny, then dusk and nightfall.

Hotel Aragon 29/05/1998 8:00

Sunny mild.

Bernues 29/05/1998 9:00-11:00

Sunny, mild.

Astun 29/05/1998 12:30-14:00

Windy changeable.

Forêt d'Issaux 29/05/1998 15:30-16:00

Sunny spells, showers.

Anso Valley 30/05/1998 14:30

Sunny spells, cloudy.

Monasterio San Juan de la Peña 30/05/1998 17:30-19:00

Sunny.

Anso Valley 31/05/1998 11:00

Sunny.

Ordessa National Park 31/05/1998 13:00-19:00

Sunny.

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This page served with permission of the author by Urs Geiser; ugeiser@xnet.com; August 5, 1998