Northern Spain - birds and butterflies in the Picos

South of the Bay of Biscay, the rugged Cantabrian mountains stretch east and west along Spain's northern coast. In their midst lie the Picos de Europa, a compact trio of limestone massifs, rising to nearly 9,000 feet in height.

Here, in a spectacular setting of gleaming peaks and sheer-sided gorges, flower-filled sunlit meadows and cool, deciduous woodlands, fly some of Europe's most sought-after birds and butterflies. Based at just two centres, first in the north then in the south of the Picos, we shall search for these species free of the need for long journeys by road. Snow Finches and Apollos, Queen of Spain Fritillaries and Blue Rock Thrushes will provide a feast for our senses by day, and in the evenings the delicious products of the traditional local agriculture and viticulture will provide feasts of a different kind!

Tuesday 1 July to Tuesday 8 July

with Richard Lewington and a Sunbird staff leader.

Northern Spain bird list
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Day 1: The tour starts in London with a flight to Bilbao. We should arrive in the northern Picos in time to do some local exploration, and our first birds may include both Red-billed and Alpine Choughs overhead, and Dippers (here of the black-bellied race), along the sparkling streams. Butterflies will include our first of many blues, browns and whites, together with, perhaps, such stunning species as Swallowtail, Camberwell Beauty and Great Banded Grayling. Night in Arenas de Cabrales.

Days 2-4: These days will be given over to leisurely exploration of the many habitats of the northern Picos. We will quickly be struck by the tremendous richness of the local flora and fauna, resulting from a wide range of altitudes, favourable geology, and, by no means least, from the traditional ways in which man has managed the land for agriculture. At lower altitudes, we will find meadows full of orchids, the haunt of Cleopatra, Scarce Swallowtail and a long list of fritillaries. Birds should include the smart Red-backed Shrike at the meadow-edges, with Honey-Buzzard and Western Bonelli's Warbler possible in the woodlands, and the subtly-shaded Citril Finch higher up. High grasslands support the endemic Chapman's Ringlet and the rare Asturian race of Gavarnie Blue. Among the possible bird of prey species, pride of place goes to the huge Griffon Vulture. There is actually a vulture 'restaurant' here, and if we are lucky, we may enjoy scenes reminiscent of the African plains, as these extraordinary birds squabble over a carcase, often with a few Egyptian Vultures awaiting their chance nearby. We'll also explore rocky gorges for Bonelli's, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, as well as Alpine Swift, Crag Martin and Rock Bunting. The butterflies vying for our attention might include Berger's Clouded Yellow and Spanish Purple Hairstreak. Nights in Arenas de Cabrales.

Day 5: Today we'll transfer to the southern Picos at Fuente Dé, dominated to the north by brilliant, massive peaks. This stunning landscape supports more bird and butterfly riches. Iberian Chiffchaff and Firecrest sing in the beechwoods, and if we are fortunate we may find the astonishing Black Woodpecker. At our feet, and all around us, fly hordes of Black-veined Whites, Purple-edged Coppers, and Silver-washed Fritillaries, to name but a few of the myriad butterflies present here. Night in Fuente Dé.

Days 6-7: We'll stroll the footpaths of the valley and lower slopes, but we will give particular attention to the alpine habitats easily reached by means of a spectacular cable-car ride. Alpine Accentors sometimes nest at the upper station, and from the top we may be able to look down on Snow Finches in their beautiful, slow display-flight over the valley far below. The Water Pipits are shy, but the Alpine Choughs may well come scrounging scraps! The prize bird here, however, is the Wallcreeper, and we have a good chance of finding this dazzling 'butterfly' of the rock-faces and scree-slopes. The real butterflies are not to be outdone for spectacle, in the shape of the bird-sized Apollo, or for rarity, as with the endemic race of Lefèbvre's Ringlet, and there are yellows, blues, brassy ringlets, and yet more fritillaries. Mammals are a feature too, with elegant Chamois and the diminutive Snow Vole high up, and Red Squirrel in the valley. Nights in Fuente Dé.

Day 8: After a final morning around Fuente Dé, searching for new and favourite species, we'll drive to Bilbao and catch an afternoon flight back to London where the tour concludes.

Cost £1290

Single Room Supplement £140

Maximum group size: 14 participants and 2 leaders.

Northern Spain bird list
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