The Pyrenees
- Speyside Wildlife
- May 25
- 2 min read
Updated: May 26
By Julian Sykes
We’ve just returned from another visit to the Pyrenees and, once again, it didn’t disappoint - even the weather was superb. The trip got off to a great start on day one which, although primarily a travel day, included a stop at a wetland near Lleida. Here, we kickstarted the week with fabulous views of Golden Oriole, Bee-eaters, cracking Marsh and Montagu’s Harriers, Black and Whiskered Terns and even a Nightingale sitting right out in the open. We eventually reached our hotel, our base for the entire week and prepared for the days ahead.
We hit the ground running with our first two ‘south’ days, making the most of the cooler temperatures before the heat arrived later in the week. These days rewarded us with wonderful pre-Pyrenean species including Black and Black-eared Wheatears, Ortolan Bunting, Calandra Larks and Melodious and Western Orphean Warblers. The high mountain days were equally successful, enjoyed in glorious sunshine, as we watched Lammergeiers, Golden and Short-toed Eagles, Citril Finch, Alpine Chough and Ring Ouzel.
Nothing, however, prepared us for the avian magic moment of the week, when a Black Woodpecker flew right past our watchpoint and landed in full view on a bare tree - an emotional and unforgettable experience.
As always, the Pyrenees is not just about birds, but all forms of wildlife and its astonishing scenery. Highlights included gorgeous Alpine Marmots and Chamois, while a couple of lucky guests also saw a Beech Marten. Other memorable sightings included a massive Slow Worm, an unexpected Stripeless Tree Frog, Green Lizards and both Pyrenean Brook and Golden Salamanders. Add in hatfuls of butterflies, orchids and other fascinating critters and it truly is a wonderful place to explore.
If you would like to join our next trip to the Pyrenees, you’ll find further information and bookings here. Please email us or phone 01479 812498 if you have any queries.
Comments