May 12 – 99 Mon - Mon
Group Size: 7
Starting Point: Pau
Based: Luz St-Sauveur 3 nights and Sabiñánigo 4 nights
Walking: Easy
Description :
Embracing both sides of the central zone of the Pyrenees, this appealing new tour features the best of both, catering equally for bird, mammal and wild-flower enthusiasts - essentially in the most superb settings. The tour commences from Pau in France and concludes with a flight departure from Zaragoza in Spain.
In France we explore the Cirque de Gavarnie and Col du Tourmalet, where Alpine Accentor, Citril Finch, Ring Ouzel, Alpine Chough and even Black Woodpecker are star birds. Alpine Marmots cannot fail to charm, and on fast-flowing streams we shall keep an eye out for the elusive Pyrenean Desman (seen during our exploratory reconnoitre). Pyrenean Snakeshead and several primrose species prime the flower list.
On the Spanish side raptors are at the fore, top of our list being the majestic Lammergeier, encountered in Ordesa National Park. Griffon Vultures are everywhere, with a supporting cast that includes Egyptian Vulture; Black Kite; Bonelli's, Booted and Short-toed Eagles, and Goshawk.
Around our hotel in Sabiñánigo we can expect to see White Stork, Tawny Pipit, Cirl Bunting, Nightingale, Spanish Sparrow, Serin and Scops Owl, while the stunning Blue Aphyllanthes adorns surrounding banks.
In steep-sided gorges we look for Wallcreepers and see the enormous white flower-heads of Pyrenean Saxifrage. Small passerine birds in wooded valleys include Firecrest, Subalpine Warbler and Crested Tit, while in semi-open country we meet with Hoopoe, Bee-eater and Red-backed Shrike. Tuberous Meadow-rue is one of many striking plants.
Itinerary
Days 1 – 3 Mon - Wed...Early Morning Rendezvous London Stansted:
We fly to Pau and drive to our base at Luz St-Sauveur, arriving early afternoon.
After offloading baggage we head south to the village of Gavarnie to commence our search for wildlife. Following roads up to the snow line Alpine Chough, Water Pipit and Black Redstart are typical birds seen, while Alpine Marmots scurry away over alpine meadows - loudly whistling should a Golden Eagle appear. Alpine Snowbell and Pyrenean Snakeshead are among several striking flowers in the meadows.
Col du Tourmalet to the east is a summit along the route from which Alpine Accentor, Citril Finch and Black Woodpecker may be expected. Using a scope we check flanking ridges for the Izard (Pyrenean Chamois).
Rivers inhabited by Dippers are also checked for the Pyrenean Desman.
Days 4 - 7 Thu - Sun:
A full but leisurely day of travel takes us across the Col Du Somport into Spain, with numerous stops en route to birdwatch or botanise. Reaching Sabiñánigo there will be ample time to wander from the hotel and add several new birds to the tour list: Black and Red Kites, Cirl Bunting, Spanish Sparrow, Tawny Pipit and Golden Oriole. After dark we shall look for a Scops Owl.
Lammergeier we should see at more than one location, persisting with our search until we obtain good views - the same applies to Wallcreeper.
In mature montane forests we look for Black Woodpecker, Crested Tit and Common Crossbill, and in wooded valleys at lower levels Booted and Short-toed Eagles. Mediterranean Warblers, Firecrest, Crested Tit and Rock Sparrow also occur.
Day 8 Mon:
Following breakfast we head across the plains to Zaragoza, from where we fly back to London Stansted early afternoon.
Cost: £785...includes:
Seven nights dinner, b&b in twin rooms en suite; all excursions including transfers to and from airport terminals.
Excludes:
Air travel, lunches, coffee stops
Deposit: £150
Single Room Supplement: £100
Flight cost from London to Pau/Zaragoza to London: circa £130.
See 'About Us' for statement about flights.