Some of the highest peaks in Northern Spain are
located in Picos de Europa National Park, and many of the meadows are set more
than 1.500 m. above the sea level. This is the suitable environment for most of the alpine birds like Alpine Accentor,
Snowfinch, Wallcreeper, Yellow and Red -billed chough and much more.
Pastures at 1.300 m. above de sea level. In the distance Peña Santa Peak.
The habitat of the Alpine birds in Picos de Europa National Park.
Wallcreeper, Sonowfinch and Alpine Accentor are probably the
most representative and also one the most sought birds for European
birdwatchers in Picos de Europa National Park. All of them can be watched just with a simple walk to the upland areas.
Wallcreeper is a small bird, red, grey and black
and with a distinctive long and curved downward beak. It is known like the
“hoopoe of the rock face”, or “The bird that flies like a butterfly”. They are
hard to see if are quiet, but when they fly, the rounded wings are absolutely unforgettable.
Wallcreeper
Snowfinches have conspicuous white panels on
tail and wings especially visible in flight. Breed in small colonies in cliffs
and fly fast and powerful. Alpine Accentor, is probably the easiest bird to be found. Is a sociable bird, that mos of the times can be found in small groups specially in barren areas with low-growing plants.
Alpine Accentor
TOUR DESCRIPTION. The best possibility is going to
Fuente De in the Eastern mountains of the Picos de Europa National Park where
we will take the cable car up to the highest area on the south side of Peña
Olvidada, near the mountain retreat of Cabaña Veronica, more than 2.000 m.
above sea level. From the cable car we will take a path in a very good
condition absolutely flat and easy walking in one of the most spectacular
alpine sceneries in Picos de Europa National Park.
The Cable Car in Fuente De.
Ladscape
BIRD TARGET. In addition to the birds cited
above, other species like Griffon Vulture, Egyptian vulture, Golden Eagle, Booted Eagle, Common Buzzard, ravens, crows, Water Pipit, Yellow and Red billed Choughs...etc. This is also a good place to observe Cantabrian
Chamois.
Water Pipit
Yellow Billed Chough
Cantabrian Chamois in Picos de Europa National Park