The Bearded
Vulture is probably one of the most incredible and amazing bird which can
be observed in the Iberian Peninsula. In Picos de Europa National Park, just as
in other European mountains, the Bearded Vulture became extinct in the early-20th
century due to the use of poisons and the indiscriminate hunting. Since then,
this astonishing scavenger bird only can be seen on Pyrenees.
Cassanova. Adult Bearded Vulture
From 2005, the Bearded Vulture Foundation (FCQ)
is developing a project for its reintroduction in Picos de Europa National
Park. As a result of this project, the Bearded Vulture is returning to these
incredible mountains. Nowadays, these young birds released every year from 2010
are getting that other wild Bearded Vultures from the Pyirenees can be observed
in these mountains.
Biziele. Young Bearded Vulture
Previously to the release of the birds, the FCQ
has developed a hard work that is summarized in the Centre for Biodiversity and
Sustainable Development “Mountains of the Bearded Vulture”.
Chloe. Young Bearded Vulture
TOUR DESCRIPTION: The route will start in the Centre for
Biodiversity and Sustainable Development “Mountains of the Bearded Vulture” in
Benia de Onís, where a biologist belonged to the staff of FCQ, will accompany
us in the centre with a guided visit and show us the most interesting aspects
about the Bearded Vulture and the reintroduction project.
After that, the specialized guide will
accompany us to the Picos de Europa National Park, in the surroundings of
Covadonga Lakes, trying to find the Bearded Vultures. We also will visit the
release zone and the habitat where the FCQ hopes they will adapt living and breeding,
especially The Majadas, the places where the shepherds of the Picos de Europa Mountains
care their cattle from march to October.
The majada of Belbín in Picos de Europa National Park
BIRD TARGET. During the journey other birds, especially
raptors, could be observed: Golden Eagle, Short-Toed Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Red-Billed Chough, Yellow-Billed Chough and many other
mountain paserines.
Egyptian Vulture
Young Golden Eagle
