Drylands of LLeida -
Alfés Itinerary 2/2

Descend to a patch of pines bordering the Canal d'Urgell: the area is a good one for Red-necked Nightjar, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Penduline Tit and in some years Lesser Grey Shrike. Turn right, passing through the pinewood and then skirt the aerodrome to run parallel with the motorway and to cross the bridge. Species that can be seen in the general area south of the bridge include Little Owl, Stone Curlew, Little Bustard, Lesser Kestrel, Thekla Lark, Southern Grey Shrike and, with luck, Red-footed Falcon on late spring passage. Again, listen out for Pin-tailed Sandgrouse.

Follow one of the tracks that will take you to the Artesa de Lleida - Aspa road. Turn right and then left just before the descent that takes you down to the River Set and Aspa. Birds that can be seen along this stretch of track include Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Cirl Bunting, Woodlark and Black-eared Wheatear.

On reaching the Aspa - Castelldans road follow it on for some way towards Castelldans, looking out for Southern Grey Shrike and Roller on the telegraph wires. Then turn round and follow the road towards Aspa, stopping between the River Set and the rocky slopes to look out for birds like Sardinian Warbler, Melodious Warbler, Golden Oriole, Wryneck, Black Wheatear, Cirl Bunting and the Red-rumped Swallow. The latter has become a regular breeding bird at different places along the River Set.

Cross the road and follow in the direction of Alfés. The ceral fields and almond groves between Aspa and Alfés offer the last chance on this itinerary of seeing Little Bustard, Hobby, Bee-eater and Montagu's Harrier.

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