BirdingInSpain

Thoughts about the Lammergeier…

Lammergeier, Gypaetus barbatus

• The Lammergeier is essentially a bone-eating bird and not, as the originally German name suggests, a devourer of innocent lambs.
• The Lammergeier is shy around other vultures, and prefers to stay on the edges of chaotic gatherings of Griffon Vultures around a carcass. Then it will gradually try to edge its way in, hopefully not bothering anyone…

Lammergeier, Gypaetus barbatus

• Lammergeiers never wander far from the mountains if they can help it. That’s why they need so much assistance in recolonizing the mountain ranges where they have disappeared from.
• Lammergeiers are to mountains, like cheese is to wine.

Lammergeier, Gypaetus barbatus

Ordesa National Park in the Pyrenees is beautiful, but its beauty is sublime when you watch an adult Lammergeier glide effortlessly over the edge of a stunning gorge.

Ordesa National Park, in the Pyrenees

“How do you tell Lammergeiers apart from Griffon Vultures?” people ask me. Sometimes I explain …
… And sometimes I just grin and say “Don’t worry, you’ll know it when you see it”.

Note: Subscribers to our newsletter will be receiving a free chapter about this marvellous bird, and a detailed chart to determine the ages of Lammergeiers. 

Flying over the Pyrenees

Photo credits: Thanks to Franck Renard and Jan Pedersen for their Lammergeier photos.

Marvellous May in northeast Spain

My husband and I took the plunge and booked a Marvellous May Tour with Birding In Spain. We were a little apprehensive … (read on)

…because we were joining a larger group from the UK who already knew each other, and we didn’t know just how birdy everything would be. Steve was leading the way in the minibus, and we followed behind with Florinda at the wheel of a comfortable car. Well, we liked that arrangement because it was clear from the start that Florinda was such a nice lady to be with!

The birding started at the Ebro Delta, which was full of birds: Flamingoes, all kinds of herons and gulls, Little Bitterns and the rest. By late afternoon I was ready to go back to the hotel, but the rest of the group didn’t show any signs of wanting to retire, so I stuck it out.

Birding and photography in the Ebro Delta

Alquézar, Sierra de Guara

Good meals, good company

Our next hotel was delightful, but I confessed to Florinda that I was feeling tired and not used to being out for so many hours. No problem, she said. So, the next day Florinda, hubby and I had a relaxed morning, enjoying a later breakfast, a stroll around the little village, poppy fields and almond groves, and then in the afternoon we visited the superb Medieval walled town called Alquézar. It was just what we needed to recharge our batteries! Meanwhile, “the lads” had been gallivanting around the plains all day looking for sandgrouse and larks. They came back happy, but we were just so glad that had been able to do our own thing for the day.

A drama of Puffins on Handa Island

You have to be hard-hearted to resist the pull of Puffins. Not to be moved by their friendly, almost comic demeanour and their endearing lack of grace on land and even in the air, as their little wings flutter, feet extend and they make a belly-landing on a grassy slope, their colourful, oversized bills clutching onto a row of tiny fish.

Atlantic Puffins, Fratercula arctica

Over the years we’ve visited seabird colonies on the islands of Skomer, off the west coast of Wales, and Handa off the west coast of Scotland. And every time, in among the inevitable photos – you get so close to these confiding birds – people can’t help identifying with the plight of these resilient little seafarers. 

Atlantic Puffins, Fratercula arctica. Photo by Eva Solanes

On one memorable occasion, when the island warden had given us a few insights into the comings and goings of the different birds on the island, and how they interacted, we took a relaxed walk of several hours, enjoying the good weather and the continuous contact with bird life all around us. I was temporarily distracted watching the Common Guillemots “facing the wall” on a guano-covered cliff face when several shrill, human cries caught my attention. Three of the ladies in the group had been watching the Puffins coming in from the sea, landing in front of them with bills full of fish, and then waddling to their burrows nearby. To do that though, each time they had to run the gauntlet and get past the line of marauding gulls waiting for their return. The Herring and Lesser Black Backed Gulls would chase the Puffins to make them drop the fish they were carrying – they were the pirates of the island airspace. The Great Black Backed Gulls, however, were the killers: they wouldn’t stop at a few little fish, they wanted to swallow the whole Puffin. 

Atlantic Puffin, Fratercula arctica. Photo by Howard Kearley

The ladies had been told about this particular relationship, and had been watching with delight and some concern, as the Puffins came flying in. Suddenly, an aerial pursuit between gull and Puffin unfolded before their worried eyes and, inevitably, they sided with the underdog, the poor Puffin. The Puffin did its best to weave one way, and bank suddenly at the last moment to avoid the gull’s attack, and it was when it seemed that the Puffin had lost the struggle and may even be eaten, that they could bear it no longer, and let out a collective scream of anguish and accusation. 

Atlantic Puffin, Fratercula arctica

“What’s up?” I called out, as I hastened to the scene. By  then I had an idea of what it was about … Had it been a Herring Gull or a Great Black Backed Gull? To them, that was academic, the Puffin had managed to escape to the safety of its burrow, still clutching its hard-won meal. 

Male and female Harlequin Ducks paddled frantically among the breaking waves like little steamer clockwork ducks, and were completely enthralling. The group sheltered from the wind as best they could from behind the van, and from there they watched the ducks’ antics. They were in no rush to move on.

Harlequin Duck, Histrionicus histrionicus

Two days later I was standing on one side of the fishing boat, cleaning my camera lens while most of the passengers were on the other side, watching out for the Humpback Whales which had just dived below the surface of the choppy waters.

Whalewatching in Iceland

Humpback Whales in Iceland

Suddenly, a Humpback whale broke the surface with a loud, unannounced spout of sea spray, and this was carried on the wind and spattered over my lens, my protective clothing and, more significantly, up my nostrils. A salty kiss, from a Humpback Whale – this was Iceland.

Handa Island Ferry, Scotland

When I first went to the island of Handa on the northwest coast of Scotland we chugged across the narrow straits on a little, narrow boat. But there was no worry – the straits were calm and sheltered. On landing the young warden introduced us to the Island reserve and told us about its wildlife, also pointing out that in the centuries past the local people used to row out here to bury their dead. That was to prevent hungry wolves from digging up their loved ones and devouring their bodies when food was scarce in the harsh winter.
These days we don’t row across the straits, we chug; and it’s keen, lively people that make the crossing, not corpses; nevertheless, the island is still a haven – for thousands of Puffins, Guillmeots, Razorbills, and Skuas all call this home.

And still not a wolf in sight.

Atlantic Puffin, Fratercula artica

About the Birding In Spain Gift Pack now available:

Looking for a Christmas gift that will leave the loved one(s) open-mouthed with delight?

You must know that birders already have bird books, binoculars and apps, but that nobody – even the most experienced birder – has travelled the whole world and seen all of its birds and natural wonders.

                                     Two birding together

Have they ever been birding in Spain? If not, can you think of a better way to make them a gift that they’ll enjoy and remember for a long time?

Birding In Spain is easy, safe and really enjoyable. Here’s how to do it:

                                  Birding In Spain gift card

1. Look at the website, and download our brochure to see what kind of tours we put on offer, who we are, etc.
2. Decide if you want to participate in one of the set tours, or if you want us to design a private tour for you.
3. Decide how much you want to spend on your gift for now. The minimum of 50 euros won’t buy you a tour but it will ensure you a provisional place on one until all the details have been arranged and confirmed.
4. Send us all the the details you can about yourselves, approximate dates, tour interest, etc, as well as what text and details you  would like us to incorporate on the personalized gift card.
5. Birding In Spain Gift Pack Special! Purchase before 31st December 2018 and enjoy a 5% discount from the brochure price from any set tour, and a bottle of local wine or cava during your tour.
6. Receive your personalized gift card from us. It’s a guarantee of our compromise with you. Merry Christmas!

The total number of wild birds in the world is somewhere between 100 and 400 billion according to an article published by Arbotopia. The fact that they are all around us in so many different shapes, colours and sizes is perhaps what makes them so fascinating. The migratory patterns of some birds or the peculiar habitats of others has spawned an interest in bird tourism. Going on a holiday in a bird hotspot, such as Northeast Spain, is decidedly attractive, but it’s also possible to create a home to many intriguing birds in your own garden.

Robins in your garden, photo by Andrew Alexander

Feed them

Birds have an eye for a tasty morsel and having flown thousands of miles in some cases will want to stop where it is safe and where they find food waiting for them. Furthermore, researchers believe feeding birds encourages flight patterns causing birds like the Blackcap to settle in the UK instead of going to Spain. With that said, you could try feeding them mealworms, as well as bits of fruit or peanuts to make the stay.

Give them a drink

Water is essential to birds. Not only to drink but also for the all important grooming of feathers and even for entertainment. They tend to be drawn to water in motion. If you want to attract a large variety of birds then you should consider a water feature. Keep it usable all year round by placing rocks in it to prevent the water freezing over and installing a solar powered version will make it conservation friendly. The Cuckoo and the Woodpeckers, although generally shy birds would both appreciate being offered a drink from the fountain.

Give them a shelter

The garden environment should also be considered as it is a shame to invite birds into the garden only to find that they are at risk from predators or the food on offer is being eaten by other animals. Consider where the food is being placed in order to attract a variety of birds. Even if you are not ready to completely redesign your garden you might be prepared to leave that old tree stump in place to accommodate a Woodpecker, or not cut back your bushes quite so neatly, and allow the Blackcap to roost there.

Birds are everywhere and there are many species worth exploring, particularly in Spain. But if you are concerned about your ‘ carbon footprint’ there is a lot you can do to attract birds to your garden and conserve the bird population.

Article by guest writer Sally Writes.

More reviews from clients of Birding In Spain

Lee Wilkinson says:

Birding in Spain – 2 excellent tours

“Three mates and I had a fantastic tour with Birding In Spain seeing 140+ species including all our targets including Bonelli’s Eagles, both Bustards and Wallcreeper. Steve West’s knowledge of the birds of the area is formidable, as are his call recognition skills. I remember one time he simultaneously identified by call three birds which sure enough popped into view. He’s also very good company. Great accommodation and comfortable vehicle. Later in the year I did their Lammergeier photography trip, which Florinda organised for me to perfection.”

Wallcreepers winter in the Sierra de Guara in Spain

Alquézar in the Sierra de Guara is a lovely place for a birding stroll. Photo courtesy of Lee.

Lee Wilkinson from the UK arranged a birding trip with Birding In Spain for himself and three friends in early April 2016. Then he returned alone later in the year to enjoy some hide sessions on his own taking photographs of Lammergeiers and vultures galore. You can see some of Lee’s birding trip photos at this link:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/45727856@N05/albums/72157664553377224

Birding In Spain says:

“Lee, thanks to you and the lads I had an excuse to be out and about in the countryside looking for birds just when things were on the move for the spring season. We managed to see the last wintering Wallcreeper, and the first Red-rumped Swallow, and the air seemed so alive and refreshing at that time of the year. So I should thank you for getting me out of the city! It was also fun playing the numbers game, although I can’t remember who the winner was, can you?

Another thing: Do you remember how thrilled Pete was at seeing the wild boar (the one you photographed, and included here)? And that you really have to return one day for another try at Black Woodpecker and Penduline Tit?”

Photo: Wild Boar on the run, by Lee Wilkinson

Our regards to Pete, Pete and Rick.

Rick kindly sent a list of the birds we saw on the trip, which can be seen here:

Birdwatching in Spain Lee

Pyrenees birders. Photo courtesy of Lee.