Granada Wildlifes tour of Belchite and the Pyrenees 2017.

Friday, 2 June 2017
Travelling North to Fuentetodos, Zaragoza including birding at La Laguna de la Veguilla on the way.
Granada Wildlifes tour of Belchite and the Pyrenees.
A travelling day before the tour starts on the 3rd June.

This tour was a little different in that all the guests were going to be travelling up with me from Malaga the day before the tour started which worked out well, almost!!!!
Jayne and I picked up Andy Mountford from a friends place in Malaga City where he had spent the night after flying in on the Thursday and we headed to the Car hire companies building where I sorted out and collected the van for the tour. We then went to a meeting point nearby where we soon found Andy Patterson waiting for us, Jayne then headed off and went for a walk at Torremolinos and spent the day around the shops. Andy M, Andy P and I chatted for a while but I became concerned that Juliet and David Hird had not joined us so I made a call and David answer and when I said we were ready to go and were at the meeting point I was not expecting the next line which was "We thought we were going tomorrow". Next was "we will be there as soon as possible" and they were, less than one hour later a taxi pulled up and a stressed Juliet and David were with us after packing and getting here in record time. 
Whilst Andy M, Andy P and I were at the meeting point we started the trip list off with (I will not count the Red-necked Nightjar (Chotacabras Cuellirrojo / Caprimulgus ruficollis) I heard at home) White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), Pallid (Vencejo Pálido /Apus pallidus) and Common Swifts (Vencejo Común / Apus apus), Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), Monk Parakeet (Cotorra Argentina / Myiopsitta monachus), Yellow-legged Gull (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis), Cattle Egret (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis) and House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica).
Anyway we loaded up and were on our way heading East and then North towards Madrid, we stopped for some breakfast after about 3 hours and then stopped off at Laguna de Masegar. On the way from Malaga to the Laguna we saw Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Blue-rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius), Golden Oriole (Oropéndola / Oriolus oriolus), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Iberian / Azure-winged Magpie (Rabilargo / Cyanopica cyanus), Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirudo daurica), Iberian / Southern Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis), Turtle (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur) and Collared Doves (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto).
At the Wetlands we checked out three different hides over looking different parts of the pools, from the first we picked up Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus), White-headed Duck (Malvasia Cabeciblanca / Oxyura leucocephala), Red-crested (Pato Colorado / Netta rufina) and Common Pochards (Porrón Común / Aythya ferina), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Great Reed Warbler (Carricero Tordal / Acrocephalus arundinaceus), Northern Shoveler (Pato Cuchara / Anas clypeata), Great Crested (Somormujo Lavanco / Podiceps cristatus), Black-necked (Zampullín Cullinegro / Podiceps nigricollis) and Little Grebes (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinulas chloropus), Gadwall (Anade Friso / Anas strepera), Whiskered Tern (Fumarel Cariblanca / Chilidonias hybridus), Black-winged Stilt (Ciguenela Común / Himantopus himantopus), Greater Flamingo (Flamenco Común / Phoenicopterus roseus), White Stork (Ciguena Blanca / Ciconia ciconia), Little Egret (Garceta Común / Egreeta garzetta) and a Great White Egret (Garceta Grande / Egretta alba) on a distant pool.
The second hide added Black Tern (Fumarel Común / Chlidonias niger), Reed Warbler (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scrpaceus), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Booted Eagle (Aguililla Calzada / Hieraaetus pennatus), European Bee-eater (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster), Small White (Pieris rapae) butterfly and Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum) and Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii) dragonflies.
The last hide at this site was over looking the larger part of the lake and out on the water we saw Purple / Western Swamp-hen (Calamon Común / Porphyrio porphyrio) and Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos) and in the marginal reeds and Tamarisks Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis), Cetti's Warbler (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti) and calling Penduline Tit (Pájaro Moscón / Remiz pendulinus).
We returned to the Van and drove North but made another stop on the way on some motorway side fields but only added Short-toed Lark (Terrera Común / Calandrella brachydactyla) to the day list.
The time was now moving on so except for a stop for some lunch we pressed on through to the nghts Hotel in Fuentetodos seeing Griffon Vulture (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus), Black Kite (Milano Negro / Milvus migrans), Short-toed Eagle (Culebrera Europeo / Circaetus gallicus), Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina), Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra), Calandra Lark (Calandria / Melanocorypha calandra), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone) and Raven (Cuervo / Corvus corax) on the way.

Saturday, 3 June 2017
Fuentetodos and Belchite, Provincia de Zaragoza.
Granada Wildlifes tour of Belchite and the Pyrenees.
Day One. A rather wet day on the steppe lands of Belchite.

The group were up and about early so we had a walk out on to the fields behind the hotel, on the track down to the pool we heard and saw House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Golden Oriole (Oropéndola / Oriolus oriolus), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos) and Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis).
Further along the track we went out into the fields, the clouds were starting to get lower and when we reached the point where we decided to turn around it started to rain but before we did we saw Crested (Cogujada / Galerida cristata), Calandra (Calandria / Melanocorypha calandra), Thekla (Cogujada Montesina / Galerida theklae) and Short-toed Larks (Terrera Común / Calandrella brachydactyla), Turtle Dove (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur), Raven (Cuervo / Corvus corax), Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus) and a singing male Cirl Bunting (Escribano Soteno / Emberiza cirlus).
We returned to the hotel and had breakfast before heading towards Belchite and the out on to the steppe type areas beyond there, on the way we spotted a Short-toed Eagle (Culebrera Europeo / Circaetus gallicus) sat on a pylon so we pulled in and watched for a while before it flew towards us and away over a ridge nearby.

We also had a calling Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa) before we moved a little further down the road, we stopped again when we saw a fine male Black-eared Wheatear (Collalba Rubia / Oenanthe hispanica) which was sat up on a bush near the road. At the same spot we there was a Tawny Pipit (Bisbita campestre / Anthus campestris) feeding in amonst the roadside flowers, it showed well out on the tarmac between the plants. On the fields there were several Short-toed Larks, another calling Red-legged Partridge and in amongst the flowers on the roadside several Small White (Pieris rapae) butterflies.
As we continued on we turned a corner and away in the distance we had views of the Santuario de Ntra Sta del Pueyo, a fine looking building but our attention was drawn to a ruin on the roadside where we could hear several Rock Sparrows (Gorrión Chillón / Petronia petronia) call, we soon tracked them down along with Spotted Flycatcher (Papamoscas Gris / Muscicapa striata), Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina) and Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs).
On the far side of Belchite we also added Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Black Kite (Milano Negro / Milvus migrans), Booted Eagle (Aguililla Calzada / Hieraaetus pennatus), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala) and Woodchat Shrike (Alcaudón Común / Lanius senator).

We enter the main site at El Planeron, soon after we started up the track the rain stopped for a while so we parked up and scanned the area seeing Rabbit (Conejo / Oryctolagus cuniculus), Raven (Cuervo / Corvus corax), a Lesser Short-toed Lark (Terrera Marismena / Calandrella rufescens) which was feeding out on the road, Calandra (Calandria / Melanocorypha calandra), Crested (Cogujada / Galerida cristata) and several more Short-toed Larks as well as a calling but unseen Black-bellied Sandgrouse (Ganga Ortega / Pterocles orientalis).
Further along the track we had 5 Stone Curlews (Alcaraván Común / Burhinus oedicnemus) sneaking through the vegetation trying to avoid being seen but they failed and we had good views along with Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus), Red-billed Chough (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), loads of singing Corn Buntings and due to the low clouds and drizzle lots of Barn Swallows and House Martins which were feeding down at near ground level. We continued on along the track but due to the rain things were getting rather sticky and by the time we reached the far end of the site the wheel arches were full of mud and the track was like an ice rink so we turned around.
We drove back up the hill to a far better track where we could get some grip, during this time we saw a very pale Booted Eagle which was sat out in a field looking well hacked off with the rain, Common Swift (Vencejo Común / Apus apus), Iberian / Southern Grey Shrike (Alcaudón Real Meridional / Lanius meridionalis), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis) and along a signed track off the rather muddy track we had a walk and apart from the above species we all saw another Short-toed Eagle which for Andy P and myself flushed up two Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Ganga Ibérica / Pterocles alchata) but they stayed low and the others missed them.

Spiny-footed Lizard (Acanthodactylus erythrurus).

We returned to the Van and made our way out of the site, the same pale Booted Eagle was seen along with a flypast Golden Eagle (Águila Real / Aquila chrysaetos) on the way. We went into Belchite where we had some lunch on the way we had a couple of Black-bellied Sandgrouse fly over the road. During lunch we picked up a male Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros) before moving on to another spot a few Km up the road where we walked out in to the dry countryside which was by now getting warm as the sun had come out, during the stroll we saw good numbers of Griffon Vultures (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus) as well as a lot of other the species seen earlier in the day. As the sun was now out we saw several butterflies on the wing including Bath White (Blanqiverdosa / Pontia daplidice), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) and Spanish Gatekeeper (Lobito listado / Pyronia bathsheba) as well as lots of Spiny-footed Lizards (Acanthodactylus erythrurus).
Due to the fact that the sun had shown up at last it was getting warm so we returned to the van and went back towards El Planeron but called at a small pool on the way and saw a Little Grebe (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis), Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), Blue / Common Emperor (Anax imperator), Iberian Blue-tail (Ischnura graellsii) and Common Blue Damselfly (Enallagma cyathinerum).
Out on the areas of Steppe areas we saw much the same species as earlier in the day and as the rain returned and was heavy we decided to give in and headed back to the hotel.

Sunday, 4 June 2017
Belchite area, Zaragoza and travelling North to Hecho Valley, Aragon.
Granada Wildlifes tour of Belchite and the Pyrenees.
Day Two. A second wet visit to the Steppe lands and then an interesting but still damp drive North.

Again we got up to clouds and drizzle so we did not have an early morning walk but after breakfast and whilst we were loading the vehicle we did see and hear several species including a singing male Cirl Bunting (Escribano Soteno / Emberiza cirlus), Golden Oriole (Oropéndola / Oriolus oriolus), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis) and Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus).
We drove back out to El Planerón but things were still wet and sticky and the storms just kept on coming through, so after a couple of hours searching through the masses of Short-toed (Terrera Común / Calandrella brachydactyla), Calandra (Calandria / Melanocorypha calandra) and Crested Larks (Cogujada / Galerida cristata) we decided to head north towards the Hecho Valley earlier than planned. Before we moved on we also added Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus), Little Owl (Mochuelo Europeo / Athene noctua), Red-billed Chough (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), European Bee-eater (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster), Lesser Short-toed Lark (Terrera Marismena / Calandrella rufescens) and Stone Curlew (Alcaraván Común / Burhinus oedicnemus) to the day list.
As we were going North early I set the satnav to take us on the shortest route avoiding motorways which worked out very well. On the first leg we picked up several rather soggy looking Black Kites (Milano Negro / Milvus migrans) which were sat on the walls of a roadside ruin, a male Montagu's Harrier (Aguilucho Cenizo / Circus pygargus) quartering some cereal fields and several White Storks (Ciguena Blanca / Ciconia ciconia) and Cattle Egret (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis) which were feeding in fileds along side the river Ebro.

We reached a long bridge which crossed the Ebro near Gelsa, we parked and walked down to the bridge and scanned the water and banks, our first good find were 3 Common Cuckoos (Cuco Común / Cuculus canorus) which were chasing each other down stream. We also had Little Egret (Garceta Común / Egreeta garzetta), Great Reed Warbler (Carricero Tordal / Acrocephalus arundinaceus), Rock Pigeon (Paloma Bravia / Columba livia), Black-headed Gull (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus), Common Swift (Vencejo Común / Apus apus) and House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica) and just after we left the site and drove around Gelsa Grey Heron (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea) and Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus) were added to the day and trip list.
We continued on our way and at some point before we reached a town called Bujaraloz we had Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulgar / Falco tinnunculus), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), Black-eared Wheatear (Collalba Rubia / Oenanthe hispanica), Red Fox (Zorro / Vulpus vulpus) and 3 fly over the road Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Ganga Ibérica / Pterocles alchata) which every one saw despite being in the Van rattling along between spots. As we approached Bujaraloz we notice a Laguna off to our right so we thought that it was worth a look and tried to find a way through to it.
As we left the main road we found a small roadside pool which held Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinulas chloropus), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Little Grebe (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis) and more Black-headed Gulls. Just down the road we found the Laguna and started to go for a walk, as soon as we got out of the van we had very good views of a pair of Spectacled Warblers (Curruca Tomillera / Sylvia conspicillata) but then the rain started again and this time it was big blobs so we got back in to the van and when it did not look like stopping for a while we pressed on again. As we drove we saw Short-toed Eagle (Culebrera Europeo / Circaetus gallicus), Skylark (Alondra Común / Alauda arvensis), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula) and several more Black-eared Wheatears.

The rain again stop and so did we as we were crossing the Sierra de Pallaruelo, in amongst the terraced fields and Juniper woods we found several new species including severl Dartford (Curruca Rabilarga / Sylvia undata) and a female Subalpine Warbler (Curruca Carrasquena / Sylvia cantillans), Alpine Swift (Vencejo Real / Apus melba), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Woodchat Shrike (Alcaudón Común / Lanius senator), several singing Woodlarks (Totovia / Lullula arborea), European Bee-eaters, Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra) and loads of Rabbits (Conejo / Oryctolagus cuniculus).

On some fields near by we had more Black Kites, Yellow Wagtail (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae), White Storks and on the banks of the Barranco de San Juan Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis), Cetti's (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Reed (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scrpaceus) and Melodious Warbler (Zarcero Común / Hippolais polyglotta), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Mallard and more European Bee-eaters.

Yet again the heavens opened and it meant it this time and it went on for ages, we stopped above Laguna Sarinon but did not get out to set the scopes up in the rain, however we still managed to pick out through the gloom several Great Crested Grebes (Somormujo Lavanco / Podiceps cristatus), Black Terns (Fumarel Común / Chlidonias niger) and a couple of Grey Herons before moving oaround Huesca and towards Ayerbe and to our next stop on the bridge above the Rio Gallago. During this drive we stopped for lunch but did not add any new species but from the bridge we did including Grey (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea) and White Wagtails (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirudo daurica), a strange partial Albino House Martin, Green Woodpecker (Pito Real / Picus viridis), Spotted Flycatcher (Papamoscas Gris / Muscicapa striata), Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes), Great Tit (Carbonera Común / Parus major), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros) and several Crag Martins (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris). From this beautiful spot (even in the drizzle) we continued on along some nice river valleys past Las Peñas de Riglos, a stunning rocky outcrop picking up Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), two Peregrine Falcons (Halcón Peregrino / Falco peregrinus) and Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala) on the way.
We continued on to the river at the lower end of the Hecho where we had Grey Heron again and a couple of Yellow-legged Gulls (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis) on the shingle and as we moved further up the Valley several Griffon Vultures (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus).

We stopped off in Siresa and sorted the hotel out, it was good to be back at this place as I always like the feel of this Hotel. After everyone was in and sorted we jumped back into the Van and drove a short way up the valley to check out the narrow gorge called Boca del Infierno, on the way we had male and female Red-backed Shrikes (Alcaudón Dorsirrojo / Lanius collurio) on wires in a field. The Gorge is a spectacular spot where in the past I have seen Wallcreeper (Treparriscos / Tichodroma muraria) but they have not breed here for a few years, however we did get views of Egyptian Vulture (Alimoche Común / Neophron percnopterus), Common Treecreeper (Agateador Norteño / Certhia familiaris), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), a Dipper (Mirlo Acuático / Cinclus cinclus) which Juliet found and as it was a lifer for her it was even better that she found it herself and just one flowering Pyrenean Saxifrage (Corona del Rey / Saxifraga longifolia).
Our last stop on the long day was at the base of the Gabardito where we had good views of another couple of male Red-backed Shrikes and several species we had seen earlier in the day but nothing new so we went back to the hotel and had a very enjoyable evening meal before a much need earlish night.

Monday, 5 June 2017
Hecho Valley, Aragon.
Granada Wildlifes tour of Belchite and the Pyrenees.
Day Three. The main target for the guests on the tour is under the belt, always good when your the guide !!!!

Before breakfast  had a short walk by the hotel and started the day list off with Egyptian (Alimoche Común / Neophron percnopterus) and Griffon Vultures (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus), Peregrine Falcon (Halcón Peregrino / Falco peregrinus), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Common Swift (Vencejo Común / Apus apus), House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica) and Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica).
after a very good breakfast we got in the van and went up the Hecho valley and the drove to a point in the hills where we parked in and open meadow area amongst the woods. On the way up we had views of Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), an unexpected Iberian Brown Hare (Liebre ibérica / Lepus granatensis) quite high up and in dense woodlands, on the verge several spikes of Lesser Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera bifolia), Wild Aquilegia's (Aquilegia vulgaris) and just as we reached the carpark 3 Jays (Arrendajo / Garrulus glandarius) and a couple of Citril Finches (Verderón Serrano / Serinus citrinella) which flew to a small puddle out in the grass.
We parked and then made our way over to the spot where the Citril Finches had dropped and had exellent views of male, female and immature birds. In the same area we also saw and heard Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina), White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Firecrest (Reyezuelo Listado / Regulus ignicapillus), Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Coal Tit (Carbonero Garrapinos / Parus ater) and Garden Warbler (Curruca Mosquitera / Sylvia borin) which was heard but remained hidden.

We got our kit together and went for a walk out along one of the trails, most of the time we were in the woods but there were a couple of clearings on the way as well, just after we started we picked up Crested Tits (Herrerillo Capuchino / Parus cristatus) and then through the trees our first two Lammergeier / Bearded Vultures (Quebrantahuesos / Gypaetus barbatus) an adult and subadult which few up the valley and away along with several Griffons.
As we pushed on through the woods we picked up Common Treecreeper (Agateador Norteño / Certhia familiaris), Coal Tits, Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes) and several spikes of White Helleborine (Cephalanthera damasonium) which were flowering in the shade of the trees.
Out in the largest of the clearings we had House and Crag Martins (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris) hawking insects, a pristine Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne), out on a very distant crag a perched Golden Eagle (Águila Real / Aquila chrysaetos) and below us in the woods a barking but unseen Roe Deer (Corzo / Capreolus capreolus).
We continued on along the track adding Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricailla), Raven (Cuervo / Corvus corax), Common Chiffchaff (Mosquitero Común / Phylloscopus collybita), Dunnock (Acentor Común / Prunella modularis), Elder-flowered (Dactylorhiza sambucina) and Pale-flowered Orchids (Orchis pallens), Alchemilla-leaved Cinquefoil (Potentilla alchemilloides), Rock Jasmine (Androsace villosa), Creeping Globularia (Globularia repens) and Alpine Gentians (Gentiana alpina). We arrived at the spot below the crags where we were looking for the main target species the Wallcreeper (Treparriscos / Tichodroma muraria) and a short while later all the group had had good if rather short views through the scope as the bird fed on the cliffs above us.  It took Andy P 50 odd years and Andy M 40 odd years to see this bird and even though it was much less time for David and Juliet all were over the moon with the sighting we had.
The Wallcreepers were still sitting eggs so they did not visit the area very often so I was very pleased that we had these early god views, in the same place we also saw Fairy Foxglove (Erinus alpinus), Red-billed (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) and Alpine Choughs (Chova Piquigualda / Pyrrhocorax graculus), Common and Alpine Swifts (Vencejo Real / Apus melba), Green Woodpecker (Pito Real / Picus viridis), more Griffon and Egyptian Vultures and on the slopes on the far side of the valley a couple of grazing Chamois (Rebeco / Rupicapra rupicapra).

We waited on site for quite a while but the bird did not show up again so we moved on, Andy P made his way back down the track while the rest of us continued on right up and out onto the Alpine meadows above the site. On the way we had views of Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines), Little Blue (Cupido minimus), Large (Pieris brassicae) and Small Whites (Pieris rapae), Clouded Yellow (Colias Común / Colias corcea), Hummingbird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum) and Bonelli's Warbler (Mosquitero Papialbo / Phylloscopus bonelli).
Once we were up on the tops we sat for a while and just took in the fantastic views of this wonderful spot before finding a cracking male Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush (Roquero Roja / Monticola saxatilis), Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe), Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), Yellowhammer (Escribano Cerillo / Emberiza citrinella), Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus) and a surprising above the tree line Black Woodpecker (Picamaderos Negro / Dryocopus martius) which shot past us and down into the wooded valley below. 
 On the grassy areas we also found good numbers of Burnt (Neotinea Ustulata) and Fragrant Orchids (Gymnadenia conopsea) along with Piedmont Ringlet (Erebia meolans), Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae), Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera), Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) and a lot more Little Blues.

We waited on site for quite a while but the bird did not show up again so we moved on, Andy P made his way back down the track while the rest of us continued on right up and out onto the Alpine meadows above the site. On the way we had views of Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines), Little Blue (Cupido minimus), Large (Pieris brassicae) and Small Whites (Pieris rapae), Clouded Yellow (Colias Común / Colias corcea), Hummingbird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum) and Bonelli's Warbler (Mosquitero Papialbo / Phylloscopus bonelli).
Once we were up on the tops we sat for a while and just took in the fantastic views of this wonderful spot before finding a cracking male Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush (Roquero Roja / Monticola saxatilis), Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe), Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), Yellowhammer (Escribano Cerillo / Emberiza citrinella), Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus) and a surprising above the tree line Black Woodpecker (Picamaderos Negro / Dryocopus martius) which shot past us and down into the wooded valley below. 
 On the grassy areas we also found good numbers of Burnt (Neotinea Ustulata) and Fragrant Orchids (Gymnadenia conopsea) along with Piedmont Ringlet (Erebia meolans), Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae), Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera), Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) and a lot more Little Blues.
On out way down we found several One-flowered Wintergreens (Moneses uniflora), Long-tailed Tit (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus), Short-toed Treecreeper (Agateador Común / Certhia brachydactyla), Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Western Orphean Warbler (Curruca Mirlano / Sylvia hortensis), Goldcrest (Reyezuelo Sencillo / Regulus regulus), Woodlark (Totovia / Lullula arborea) and after we met Andy P on the way down we had Red Squirrel (Ardilla común / Sclurus vulgaris), Mother Shipton (Callistege mi) moth and Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui).

Once we were down at the van we drove down to the lower meadows stopping a couple of times on the way down, at the first we found Lange's Orchid (Androrchis langei), Sword-leaved Helleborine (Cephalanatera longifolia), Common Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Blackbird, Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pico Picapinos / Dendrocopos major), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), Black-veined White (Banca del Majuelo / Aporia crataegi) and a couple of Duke of Burgandy (Hamearis lucina) butterflies.
Down at the bottom of the hill we parked and walked along the river track adding Red-backed Shrike (Alcaudón Dorsirrojo / Lanius collurio), Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricailla), Silver-studded Blue (Plebejus argus) and Greater Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera chlorantha) before we made our way back to the hotel after a cracking day.

Tuesday, 6 June 2017
Hecho Valley and Portalet Area, Aragon.
Granada Wildlifes tour of Belchite and the Pyrenees.
Day Four. A day with some very rare beauties of the Orchid type.

In the area around the hotel we started the list off with Great Tit (Carbonera Común / Parus major), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Common Chiffchaff (Mosquitero Común / Phylloscopus collybita), Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricailla), Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Common Swift (Vencejo Común / Apus apus), Egyptian Vulture (Alimoche Común / Neophron percnopterus), Ivy-leaved Toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis) and Robust Marsh Orchid (Dactylorhiza elata).After breakfast we headed down the Hecho Valley and then east through Jaca and up into the mountains at Portalet, as we dropped down the valley we saw Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus), Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Carrion Crow, Egyptian Vulture, Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs) and Nightingale. Part way down the Valley we stopped to have a look at the Rio Aragon and saw or heard Bonelli's Warbler (Mosquitero Papialbo / Phylloscopus bonelli), Griffon Vulture (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus), Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris), Greater Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera chlorantha) and several spikes of what looked like a couple of different species of Epipactis but they were not in flower at this point.
After going east through Jaca we drove North up towards Portalet calling at a spot on the way near the turn to the Fuente Santa de Elena, we parked on the main road and walked out to the bridge and then down the main road a short way. Near the bridge we had White (Helianthemum apenninum) and Pyrenean Rock-rose (Helianthemum nummularium ssp. pyrenaica), Hummingbird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum), Chimney Sweeper (Odezia atrata), Garden Warbler (Curruca Mosquitera / Sylvia borin), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pico Picapinos / Dendrocopos major), Grey Wagtail (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea), Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes), Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Griffon Vulture (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus) and the star birds which were two Lammergeiers / Bearded Vultures (Quebrantahuesos / Gypaetus barbatus), an immature and adult which drifted over the valley.

We also had Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae), Large (Pieris brassicae),  Small (Pieris rapae) and Wood White (Leptidea sinapis) and Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera). Along the road I found several really nice clumps of Robust Marsh as well as Fragrant (Gymnadenia conopsea) and Pyramidal Orchids (Orquidea Pyramidal / Anacamptis pyramidalia), Scarce Swallowtail (Chupaleches / Iphiclides podalirius feisthameli), Cardinal Fritillary (Pandora / Argynnis pandora) and Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricailla).
Further up the valley we reached a spot on the roadside where we parked and met the local warden who showed us several clumps of the Orchid of all Orchids the Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium calceolus) which were as usual amazing to see. In the same area we saw more Fragrant Orchids along with Broad-leaved Marsh (Dactylorhiza majalis), Elder-flowered (Dactylorhiza sambucina), Common Spotted (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata), Bird's-eye Primrose (Primula farinosa), Common Cottongrass (Eriophorum angustifolium), Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages), Orange-tip (Anthocharis cardamines) and Tree Pipit (Bisbita Arbóreo / Anthus trivialis).

Slightly further up the road we stopped for a coffee where whilst I was parking the Van after filling up with fuel I had views of a Little Ringed Plover (Chorlitejo Chico / Charadrius dubius) on the river but none of the group saw it and it remained that way through out the trip.
After our coffee we drove up to the summit where we walked along a stream through a nice bit of Alpine meadow seeing Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe), Water Pipit (Bisbita Alpino / Anthus spinoletta), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Common Frog (Rana temporaria), Centaurea montana, Alpine Bartsia (Bartsia alpina), Pyrenean Squill (Scilla liliohyacinthus), Cuckoo Flower (Cardamine pratensis), Pyrenean Cranesbill (Geranium pyrenaicum), Horned Pansy (Viola cornuta), Large-flowered Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora), Globeflower (Trollius europaeus), Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris), Pyrenean Fritillary (Fritillaria pyrenaica), Anemone narcissiflora and Heath Spotted Orchids (Dactylorhiza maculata).

Next came lunch and then a walk along the track behind the bar where we were looking for but did not find Ortolan Bunting (Escribano Hortolano / Emberiza hortulana) however we did find Skylark (Alondra Común / Alauda arvensis), Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Viviparous Lizard (Lacerta vivipara), Alpine Marmot (Marmota marmota), Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus F lyllus) and Piedmont Ringlet (Erebia meolans) and as we were just about to reach the car we had a fly over Honey Buzzard (Aberjero Europeo / Pernis apivorus). 
We then got some info from some other birders that we had turned around just short of where they had seen the Ortolan's so we decided to redo the walk and go a little further. Just past the spot that we turned around I heard an Ortolan singing up on a slope above us but it took some finding but eventually we had good views of a couple of males before dropping back down to the van seeing Large-flowered Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora), Spring Gentian (Gentiana verna) and Rock Jasmine (Androsace villosa) on the way.

We dropped back down to the bar and sat out on the terrace having a coffee watching the river picking up Common Sandpiper (Andarrios Chico / Actitis hypoleucos), White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Great Tit (Carbonera Común / Parus major) and then the spot struck again when a male Bullfinch (Camachuelo Común / Pyrrhula pyrrhula) flew past but all the group missed it so we all piled out on to the car park looking for the bird. We did not find the Bullfinch but we did find a nice male Whinchat (Tarabilla Nortena / Saxicola rubetra) which was bathing in the river giving us good views. 
We drove back to the hotel via Jaca where we made a brief stop before we pushed on and enjoyed another good meal at the hotel.

Wednesday, 7 June 2017
Sierra de Alano, Aragon.
Granada Wildlifes tour of Belchite and the Pyrenees.
Day Five. A stroll in the mountains !!!!

OK, today was always going to be hard work but it is by far my favourate day of this tour. Around the hotel we started off with Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricailla), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus) and Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor).

It was only a shortish drive up to the start point but on the way we saw Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Carrion Crow, Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Common Magpie, Blackcap, Common Swift (Vencejo Común / Apus apus), Blue Tit (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Griffon Vulture (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus), Grey (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea) and White Wagtails (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pico Picapinos / Dendrocopos major), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus), Bullfinch (Camachuelo Común / Pyrrhula pyrrhula), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs) and Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris).
We drove up the valley towards the car park seeing White Wagtail, Dipper (Mirlo Acuático / Cinclus cinclus), Citril Finch (Verderón Serrano / Serinus citrinella), Great Tit (Carbonera Común / Parus major) as well as several Chamois (Rebeco / Rupicapra rupicapra) and a strange looking Wild Goat.
Once we were in the car park we kitted up and started to walk up the track part of this hike, during this first stretch we saw Grey Wagtail, Coal (Carbonero Garrapinos / Parus ater), Marsh (Carbonero Palustre / Parus palustris) and Crested Tits (Herrerillo Capuchino / Parus cristatus), Song Thrush (Zorzal Común / Turdus philomelos), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), an immature Bullfinch (Camachuelo Común / Pyrrhula pyrrhula), Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages), Fragrant Orchid (Gymnadenia conopsea) and Red Squirrel (Ardilla común / Sclurus vulgaris).

Just before we broke through the trees we saw Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Jay (Arrendajo / Garrulus glandarius), Long-tailed Tit (Mito / Aegithalos caudatus), Common (Agateador Norteño / Certhia familiaris) and Short-toed Treecreepers (Agateador Común / Certhia brachydactyla), Raven (Cuervo / Corvus corax), Welsh Poppy (Meconopsis cambrica), Large-flowered Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora), Wood Spurge (Euphorbia amygdaloides), Lesser Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera bifolia), Speckled Wood (Pararge aegeria) and Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta).
Continuing on we found a singing Dunnock (Acentor Común / Prunella modularis), Water Pipit (Bisbita Alpino / Anthus spinoletta), Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe), Common Cuckoo (Cuco Común / Cuculus canorus), Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina), Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae), Clouded Yellow (Colias Común / Colias corcea), Small (Pieris rapae) and Large Whites (Pieris brassicae), Piedmont Ringlet (Erebia meolans), Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne) and Small Copper (Lycaena phlaeas).
We reached the point where we were going to leave the main track, Andy P at this point headed further along the track and Andy M, David, Juliet and I headed further up the hill making for the gap above us.
On the way we had Black Vanilla (Nigritella angustifolia), Elder-flowered (Dactylorhiza sambucina) and Frog Orchids (Dactylorhiza viride), Moonwort (Lunaria menor / Botrychium lunaria), Alpine Bistort (Polygonum viviparum), Alpine Toadflax (Linaria alpina), Chamois (Rebeco / Rupicapra rupicapra), Yellowhammer (Escribano Cerillo / Emberiza citrinella), Water Pipit, Red-billed (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) and Alpine Choughs (Chova Piquigualda / Pyrrhocorax graculus) and in the narrow approach to the top of the cutting we came across a family party of Alpine Accentors (Acentor Alpino / Prunella collaris) and two of the birds allowed us to get very close but we were in the deep shade of the cliffs which made getting desent shot hard.

We continued on up and through to the Alpine meadows above the cutting, just as we reached the top the first Snowfinch (Gorrión Alpino / Montifringilla nivalis) flew over us and away down the hill. At the top we had a while to get our breath and eat our lunch, we had done the climb faster than expected so we had a good look around the meadows having several more views of the Snowfinches but all in flight. On the meadows we also had Peacock (Aglais io), Little Blue (Cupido minimus), Small Tortoiseshells, Spring Gentian (Gentiana verna) and masses of Pyrenean Buttercup (Ranunculus pyrenaeus).
Just before we started the decent we had a drifting Lammergeier / Bearded Vulture (Quebrantahuesos / Gypaetus barbatus) pass along a ridge on the far side of the meadows and a Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus) which circled over head and dropped down into the valley below.
As we dropped down we saw much the same species as on the way up including Dipper, Marsh Tit, Yellowhammer, Cardinal Fritillary (Pandora / Argynnis pandora) and Swallowtail (Papilio machaon).
We were down the hill quicker than exspected so we decided to go and have a look at the meadow area below Gabadito but on the way there we made a stop and found Southern White Admiral (Limenitis reducta), Bullfinch, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures and Jay.
On the meadows we picked up Red-backed Shrike (Alcaudón Dorsirrojo / Lanius collurio), Cirl Bunting (Escribano Soteno / Emberiza cirlus), Adonis Blue (Niña Celeste / Lysandra bellargus), Dingy Skipper (Erynnis tages) and Large White.
Later we were back at the hotel and had another very good meal before hitting the pit after a hard but great day.

Thursday, 8 June 2017
Irati Woods, Navarra.
Granada Wildlifes tour of Belchite and the Pyrenees.
Day Six. Woodpecker hunting.

Around the hotel we started the day list off as usual with Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), Common Swift (Vencejo Común / Apus apus), Great Tit (Carbonera Común / Parus major), Griffon Vulture (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricailla), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica) and House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus).
On our way out to the woods we stopped at as few spots as possible as it was 80 odd KM along a very winding road but we did see Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Feral Pigeon (Paloma Bravía / Columba livia), Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), Jay (Arrendajo / Garrulus glandarius), a nice male Blue-rock Thrush (Roquero Solitario / Monticola solitarius) which took the species off the guide only list, Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes) and Large White (Pieris brassicae).

Near Garde, Ochavagia and along the NA40 we boosted the list with Egyptian Vulture (Alimoche Común / Neophron percnopterus), Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pico Picapinos / Dendrocopos major), Bullfinch (Camachuelo Común / Pyrrhula pyrrhula), Grey Wagtail (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), Red-billed (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) and Alpine Choughs (Chova Piquigualda / Pyrrhocorax graculus), Skylark (Alondra Común / Alauda arvensis), Linnet (Pardillo Común / Carduelis cannabina) and Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe).
Once we were down in the woodlands we parked and had a chat with the lady in the shed and she gave us info about the bird we wanted and which trail to look for it on. So we started the walk and soon had good views of Goldcrest (Reyezuelo Sencillo / Regulus regulus), Firecrest (Reyezuelo Listado / Regulus ignicapillus), Blue (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus), Coal (Carbonero Garrapinos / Parus ater) and Crested Tits (Herrerillo Capuchino / Parus cristatus), Dipper (Mirlo Acuático / Cinclus cinclus), Great Spotted Woodpecker, Common Treecreeper (Agateador Norteño / Certhia familiaris), Nuthatch (Trepador Azul / Sitta europaea), Blackcap (Curruca Capirotada / Sylvia atricailla) and then for the second time I missed a White-backed Woodpecker (Pico Dorsiblanco / Dendrocopos leucotos) by seconds but I was pleased that Andy M managed to get brief but good views of one when it flew past him and disappeared into a lager pine tree just before the rest of us came around the corner.

We continued on to the spot we were told that they are regularly seen but after spending quite a while there we decied to walk back for lunch and on the way we picked up Wood (Leptidea sinapis), Small (Pieris rapae) and Western Dappled Whites (Euchloe crameri), Large Skipper (Ochlodes venatus) and Lulworth Skipper (Thymelicus acteon), High Brown (Fabriciana adippe) and Cardinal Fritillaries (Pandora / Argynnis pandora), Piedmont Ringlet (Erebia meolans), Large Wall Brown (Lasiommata maera), Hummingbird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum), a pair of soaring Goshawk (Azor Común / Accipitor gentillis) along with a couple of Griffon Vultures and a singing male Cirl Bunting (Escribano Soteno / Emberiza cirlus).
Once we were back at the van we had some lunch and then started to make our way back towards the hotel, we stopped on the top of the highest point and had a stretch of the legs and in a bit of pine woodland came across a mixed flock of tits including Blue, Great, Coal, Crested, Long-tailed and Marsh Tit (Carbonero Palustre / Parus palustris) along with Goldcrest (Reyezuelo Sencillo / Regulus regulus) and during the rest of the drive back we added Sparrowhawk (Gavilán Común / Accipiter nisus), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros), Bullfinch, Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), Carrion Crow as well as Lizard (Himantoglosum hircinum), Fragrant (Gymnadenia conopsea) and Pyramidal Orchids (Orquidea Pyramidal / Anacamptis pyramidalia).
We reached the hotel and after getting freashened up had another good evening meal and a few more laughs.

Friday, 9 June 2017
Astún and Candanchú, Aragon and travelling.
Granada Wildlifes tour of Belchite and the Pyrenees.
Day Seven. Back to the high mountains.

Around the hotel after a great breakfast we saw Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), Common Swift (Vencejo Común / Apus apus), Great Tit (Carbonera Común / Parus major), House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), Black Redstart (Colirrojo Tizón / Phoenicurus ochruros) and White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba).
En-route to the mountains we took the cross country route and stopped a few times picked up Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Great Spotted Woodpecker (Pico Picapinos / Dendrocopos major), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Egyptian Vulture (Alimoche Común / Neophron percnopterus) and then on the bridge which crosses the Rio Aragon we picked up Common Chaffinch (Pinzón Vulgar / Fringilla coelebs), Black Redstart, Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Garden Warbler (Curruca Mosquitera / Sylvia borin), Feral Pigeon (Paloma Bravía / Columba livia), Grey Wagtail (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea), Wren (Chochin / Troglodytes troglodytes), Pyramidal Orchid (Orquidea Pyramidal / Anacamptis pyramidalia), Ivy-leaved Toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis), Aquilegia vulgaris, Large Blue Flax (Linum narbonense), White Rockrose (Helianthemum apenninum) and Large Wall Brown (Lasiommata maera).
Moving on we came to a picnic area and had a good look around the area of Pine woods and along the river seeing Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Mistle Thrush (Zorzal Charlo / Turdus viscivorus), at least three Bonelli's Warblers (Mosquitero Papialbo / Phylloscopus bonelli) which were chasing each other round the trees, Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula), Firecrest (Reyezuelo Listado / Regulus ignicapillus), Crested Tit (Herrerillo Capuchino / Parus cristatus) and along a small damp patch in the centre of the site Greater Butterfly (Platanthera chlorantha), Robust Marsh (Dactylorhiza elata), Fragrant (Gymnadenia conopsea), Pyramidal, Bee (Ophrys apifera) and several well over with Lady Orchids (Orchis purpurea).
In the same area we also found Branched Asphodel (Asphodelus ramosus), Marsh Violet (Viola palustris), Chestnut Heath (Coenonympha glycerion iphioides), Large White (Pieris brassicae) and Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris).

Further along the road in an area of more open fields we made another stop and checked the hay meadows for birds but they came from the skys first including Egyptian and Griffon Vultures, Red Kite, Carion Crow, Common Magpie, Green Woodpecker (Pito Real / Picus viridis), male and female Red-backed Shrikes (Alcaudón Dorsirrojo / Lanius collurio) sat out on a wire along with a male Common Stonechat (Tarabilla Común / Saxicola torquata), Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra). In the hedgerow bushes a Nightingale sang and a couple of Red-legged Partridge (Perdiz Roja / Alectoris rufa) called. There were also a couple of new plants found Agrimony (Agrimonia Eupatoria), Sainfoin (onobrychis viciifolia) and lots of Perez's Frogs (Rana Común / Pelophylax perezi) which were calling from  nearby farm pool.
In a wooded valley futher on we stopped and had a pair of Bonelli's Eagles (Aguila-azor / Hieraetus faciatus) which circled over nearby trees along with a Booted (Aguililla Calzada / Hieraaetus pennatus), these were followed by an American F15 being chased down by a Euro-fighter.
In the same area we had Wren, Nightingale, Chaffinch, a singing Song Thrush (Zorzal Común / Turdus philomelos), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), Spanish Gatekeeper (Lobito listado / Pyronia bathsheba), Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Boloria euphrosyne), Holly Blue (Celastrina argiolus), Common Marbled White (Melanargia galathea) and Lesser Butterfly Orchid (Platanthera bifolia).

At high spot in the road near a refugio we parked up and wandered seeing Roe Deer (Corzo / Capreolus capreolus), Spanish Chalk-hill Blue (Polyommatus albicans), Large Wall Brown, Crested Lark (Cogujada / Galerida cristata) and little further on we saw a few road side Lizard Orchids (Himantoglosum hircinum).
On the way up to the mountain summits we picked up Crag Martins (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris) and just after we parked at Astún and started the walk we saw Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Citril Finch (Verderón Serrano / Serinus citrinella), Black Kite (Milano Negro / Milvus migrans), a singing Water Pipit (Bisbita Alpino / Anthus spinoletta), Raven (Cuervo / Corvus corax), Rock Bunting (Escribano Montesino / Emberiza cia), a Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo) which came up over the ridge with a Golden Eagle (Águila Real / Aquila chrysaetos) in tow.
We continued on along the track finding more butterflies as it warmed up including Clouded Yellow (Colias Común / Colias corcea), Small Heath (Coenonympha pamphilus F lyllus), Grizzled Skipper (Pyrgus malvae), Little Blue (Cupido minimus), Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui), Purple-edged Copper (Lycaena hippothoe), Small Tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae), Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), Large (Pieris brassicae) and Wood Whites (Leptidea sinapis), Wall Brown (Lasiommata megera) and Adonis Blue (Niña Celeste / Lysandra bellargus) as well as Hummingbird Hawkmoth (Macroglossum stellatarum) and a Forester Moth Species.

More species were seen including Dunnock (Acentor Común / Prunella modularis), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulgar / Falco tinnunculus), another Golden Eagle, Northern Wheatear (Collalba Gris / Oenanthe oenanthe), 2 Tree Pipits (Bisbita Arbóreo / Anthus trivialis) one of which was singing whilst the other was carrying food, Citril Finch, Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Robin (Petirrojo Europeo / Erithacus rubecula) as well as Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca), Common Spotted (Dactylorhiza fuchsii), Broad-leaved Marsh (Dactylorhiza majalis), a single spike of Early Purple Orchid (Orchis mascula) and a couple of yelling Marmot (Marmota / Marmota marmota).
We had some lunch in Candanchu and then went above the town seeing a good number of Alpine Choughs (Chova Piquigualda / Pyrrhocorax graculus) along with a few Red-billed (Chova Piquirroja / Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax). Later we had a walk along a track along a small stream where we had good views of a stunning male Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush (Roquero Roja / Monticola saxatilis), Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus) and White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba).
In the grassy areas around the stream we found Broad-bodied Chaser (Libellula depressa), Mountain Ringlet (Erebia epiphron), Large-flowered Butterwort (Pinguicula grandiflora), Alpine Bartsia (Bartsia alpina), Alpine Asphodel (Tofieldia calyculata), Heath Spotted (Dactylorhiza maculata), Broad-leaved Marsh Orchids (Dactylorhiza majalis) and what were possibly a few Alpine Marsh Orchids (Dactylorhiza alpestris) but this is a difficult group to sort.

Saturday, 10 June 2017
Travelling South to Malaga via Tablas de Daimiel in Ciudad Real.
Granada Wildlifes tour of Belchite and the Pyrenees.
Day Eight. An 1100KM drive with a stop at Tablas wetlands.

Today was going to be a long one as we had a long drive ahead of us, on the way down the Hecho Valley we started the list off with House Martin (Avión Común / Delichon urbica), Barn Swallow (Golondrina Común / Hirundo rustica), Common Swift (Vencejo Común / Apus apus), House Sparrow (Gorrión Común / Passer domesticus), Nightingale (Ruisenor Común / Luscinia megarhynchos), Common Magpie (Urraca / Pica pica), Black (Milano Negro / Milvus migrans) and Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus), Carrion Crow (Corneja Negra / Corvus corone), White Wagtail (Lavandera Blanca / Montacilla alba), Collared Dove (Tórtola Turca / Streptopelia decaocto), Blackbird (Mirlo Común / Turdus merula), Great Tit (Carbonera Común / Parus major), Corn Bunting (Triguero / Emberiza calandra) and a couple of Red-backed Shrikes (Alcaudón Dorsirrojo / Lanius collurio) sat on roadside wires.
Once we were out of the Valley we made our way south past Zaragoza and around Madrid, on the way adding Woodchat Shrike (Alcaudón Común / Lanius senator), Serin (Verdecillo / Serinus serinus), Grey Wagtail (Lavandera Cascadena / Motacilla cinerea), Crag Martin (Avión Roquero / Ptyonoprogne rupestris), Common Buzzard (Busardo Ratonero / Buteo buteo), Sardinian Warbler (Curruca Cabecinegra / Sylvia melanocephala), Rock Pigeon (Paloma Bravia / Columba livia), Spotless Starling (Estornino Negro / Sturnus unicolor), Woodpigeon (Paloma Torcaz / Columba palumbus), Jackdaw (Grajilla / Corvus monedula), White Stork (Ciguena Blanca / Ciconia ciconia), Greenfinch (Verderón Común / Carduelis chloris), Crested Lark (Cogujada / Galerida cristata), Yellow-legged Gull (Gaviota Patiamarilla / Larus Michahellis), Goldfinch (Jilguero / Carduelis carduelis), Marsh Harrier (Aguilucho Lagunero Occidental / Circus aeruginosus), Turtle Dove (Tórtola Europea / Streptopelia turtur) and south of Madrid Roller (Carraca / Coracias garrulus),
Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush (Roquero Roja / Monticola saxatilis), European Bee-eater (Abejaruco Común / Merops apiaster), Red-rumped Swallow (Golondrina Dáurica / Hirudo daurica), Griffon Vulture (Bultre Leonado / Gyps fulvus), Little Bustard (Sisón Común / Tetrax tetrax), Common Kestrel (Cernicalo Vulgar / Falco tinnunculus) and after coming off the motorway we saw a Rufous Bush Robin (Alzacola / Cercotrichas galactotes) sat on the top of a roadside telegraph pole.

Our only proper birding stop of the day was Tablas de Daimiel, a superb wetland site with board walks that take you through and across pools and reedbeds. After we parked we spent three hours wandering around the seeing some really nice species, in the car park on some Lavender we found a good selection of Butterflies including Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni), Bath (Blanqiverdosa / Pontia daplidice) and Small Whites (Pieris rapae), Long-tailed (Lampides boeticus) and Common / Southern Blue (Polyommatus icarus / celina), Sage (Muschampia proto) and Small Skipper (Thymelicus sylvestris).
On the board walks and islands birds including Woodchat Shrike, Red-rumped and Barn Swallow, European Bee-eater, Golden Oriole (Oropéndola / Oriolus oriolus), Reed (Carricero Común / Acrocephalus scrpaceus), Blue Tit (Herrerillo Común / Parus caeruleus), Red Kite (Milano Real / Milvus milvus), Great Cormorant (Cormorán Grande / Phalacrocroax carbo), Great Reed (Carricero Tordal / Acrocephalus arundinaceus), Cetti's (Ruisenor Bastardo / Cettia cetti), Savi's (Buscarla Unicolor / Locustella luscinoides) Western Olivaceous Warblers (Zarcero Pálido Occidental / Hippolais opaca), Bearded Tit (Reedling) (Bigotudo / Panurus biarmicus), Hoopoe (Abubilla / Upupa epops), Penduline Tit (Pájaro Moscón / Remiz pendulinus), Yellow (Lavandera Boyera / Motacilla flava iberiae) and White Wagtails, Northern Lapwing (Avefria Europea / Vanellus vanellus), Little Bittern (Avetorillo Común / Ixobrychus minutus), Night (Marinete Común / Nycticorax nycticorax), Purple (Garza Imperial / Ardea purpurea) and Grey Herons (Garza Real / Ardea cinerea), Great White (Garceta Grande / Egretta alba), Little (Garceta Común / Egreeta garzetta) and Cattle Egrets (Garcilla Bueyera / Bubulcus ibis), Spoonbill (Espátula Común / Platalea leucorodia), Great Crested (Somormujo Lavanco / Podiceps cristatus) and Little Grebes (Zampullín Común / Tachybaptus ruficollis), Red-crested Pochard (Pato Colorado / Netta rufina), Mallard (Anade Azulón / Anas platyrhynchos), Gadwall (Anade Friso / Anas strepera), Purple / Western Swamp-hen (Calamon Común / Porphyrio porphyrio), Water Rail (Rascón Europeo / Rallus aquaticus), Eurasian Coot (Focha Común / Fulica atra), Common Moorhen (Gallineta Común / Gallinulas chloropus), Black-headed (Gaviota Riedora / Larus ridibundus) and Yellow-legged Gulls, Zitting Cisticola (Buitrón / Cisticola juncidis), Norfolk / Green-eyed Hawker (Aeshna isoceles), Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum), Scarlet Darter (Crocothemis erythraea), Lesser (Anax parthenope) and Blue / Common Emperor (Anax imperator) and Red-veined Darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii).

After the three hours it was getting a tad warm so we headed south through Jaen, Granada and down to Malaga where we dropped Andy M into the city, Andy P to the starting point where his daughter picked him up and the Juliet and David home before I dropped the Van back and Jayne picked me up and we went home.