Birding Picos de Europa

Ringed Alpine Accentor

2012-02-13T05:43:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday in a trip in the sorroundings of the National Park of Picos de Europa, a flock of Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris could be observed. One of the birds was ringed.

Alpine Accentor Purunella collaris in the sorroundings of the National Park of Picos de Europa

I think it belongs to a project developed by the Iberian Ringing Group (GIO). I have posted them an e-mail with the observation. Where do them come from?. We hope to know soon.....

Our rates

2012-01-18T00:06:00.000-08:00

All these budgets are designed forgroups of between 2 and 4 people, and transport is not included.

In addition to the guide servicethis price includes

- Insurance against accidents

- Optic material

- Bird guides in English and inSpanish

- Taxes

Half day trips: 60 €(for the entering group)

Full day trips: 100 € (For the entering group) (Not meals included)

Picos de Europabirding tour: (For the entering group)

August and Easter week: 1.133 €

July and long weekends: 1.067 €

Rest of the Year: 968 €

In addition to the above, Picos deEuropa Birding Tour includes:

- Lodging in the RioAliso Rural Apartments (notmeals included)

- One Asturian typical dinner in La Xana Restaurant

If would like abudget for a different time period or a different ornithological activity,please, send us an e-mail and we'll be glad to suit your needs.

In the same way,if you prefer the transport include, please let us to know and we e-mail you anew budget all-inclusived. All the trips could be done with a standard car

Deva, the Bearded Vulture

2012-01-17T02:48:00.000-08:00

This is Deva, the first bearded vulture Gypaetus barbatus, in the National Park of Picos de Europa for more than eigthy years. It´s the firs bird that belongs to the reintroducing project of the specie in the National Park... and we could enjoy it last sunday.

Deva. The Bearded Vulture

This project is led by the Bearded Vulture foundation.

Would you like to read the full story? CLICK HERE

Where are the Cuckoos?

2012-01-13T00:34:00.000-08:00

When I was a child, I thought where the Cockoos were in winter. Now I know.

Would you like to know too? CLICK HERE

Griffon Vultures

2011-12-06T23:59:00.001-08:00

Today we was lucky. We had been trying to find the Griffon Vultures, when a sheperd told us where a sheep had died. We could spend two hours enjoying this amazing show

Would you like to read the rest of the story? CLICK HERE

RAPTORS

2011-11-28T02:49:00.001-08:00

Some raptors which could be watched this morning in "El Cuetu", near Oceño in the boundary of the National Park of Picos de Europa (Spain)

Common Krestel Falco tinnunculus

Would you like to read the rest of the story?

CLICK HERE

North Pacific Albatroses Continues Dying

2011-11-07T00:22:00.000-08:00

Cigarette lighters and toy soldiers floating in the sea continues killing North Pacific albatroses

Would you like to read the full new? CLICK HERE

Machi died in Guadaloupe shooted by hunters

2011-09-14T00:06:00.000-07:00

Machi (a shorebird) survives a tropical storm only to be killed by hunters in Guadeloupe (French West Islands)

Machi being fitted with satellite transmitter in Ougust 2009

To read the full new..... CLICK HERE

Aegyptian Vultures territories

2011-09-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

This is the distance between nests of Aegyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus in the sorroundings of the Sierra del Cuera Mountain Range in the north of Spain.

Would you like to read the full new? CLICK HERE

The feathers of a Yellow Legged Gull

2011-08-21T23:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever stopped to observed the changes in the colour of the feathers of a Yellou Legged Gull?

Colour ringed Yellow Legged gull in his first year of life

Would you like it? Have a look clicking HERE

Lesser Black-Backed Gull Red 681N Again in San Antolín Beach

2011-07-20T02:44:00.000-07:00

Yesterday tuesday 19th of July 2011 the first large migrating flock of seagulls arrieved to San Antolín Beach. Llanes. Cantabrian Spanish coast. One of the ringed Lesser Black-Backed Gull, with red ring and yellow code 681N (P.J. Dubois) could be observed here just two years ago

First large migrating flock of seagulls in San Antolín Beach. Llanes

To read the full story, CLICK HERE

A 22 Year Old European Shag!

2011-07-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

A few days ago, Paul Veron in his blog Guernsey Gulls, give us a new about a 22 years old European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis. It's really amazing, because most of this birds die over their first winter. Paul says: "This bird was a real survivor"

Would you like to read the history of this bird? CLICK HERE

Grande Fauconniere (ringing site for 22 year old Shag)

The summer season has begun

2011-07-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

The summer season has begun. In this time, in Llanes (Asturias) in the spanish cantabrian coast, the sea gulls leave the beaches, plenty of people and go to Barro stuary to drink and relax. Year after year the same thing happens.

Barro Stuary in the spanish cantabrian coast in LLanes. Asturias

Would you like to read the full new? Click Here

Oldest Known Wild Bird Survives Tsunami

2011-06-22T04:25:00.000-07:00

Six decades ago, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) initiated a long-term research project on Midway Island. One Laysan Albatross banded 55 years ago is still providing data today.

To read the full new CLICK HERE

First Yellow Legged Gull chicks

2011-06-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday on Jun 14th 2011, We could see the first Yellow Legged Gull chiks on the roof of the City Hall in Llanes (Asturias. Spanish Cantabrian Coast)

Yellow Legged Gull and two chiks in LLanes. Asturias. (Cantabrian Spanish coast)

To read the full story please CLICK HERE

Hoopoe

2011-05-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Do you like the Hoopoes Upupa epops?

This one appeaed last week in a birding trip near the Cares River in the north of Spain.

Hoopoe. Upupa epops

One incredible birding day

2011-04-23T13:46:00.000-07:00

Abstract. Yesterday in a trip trought the Mountain Range Protected Landscape of El Cuera I could see the incredible scene of a Golden Eagle Aquila Chrysaetos attacking a Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus.

TO READ THE FULL STORY CLICK HERE

A Bearded Vulture has been found dead in the National Park of Picos de Europa

2011-04-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

Abstract: One of two Bearded Vultures Gypaetus barbatus released last June in the mountains of the National Park of Picos de Europa, has been found dead, yesterday.

TO READ THE FULL STORY CLICK HERE

TRIP 5. THE BEARDED VULTURE

2011-01-13T01:51:00.000-08:00

The Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus is probably one of the most incredible and amazing bird which can be observed in the Iberian Peninsula.

In the National Park of Picos de Europa and its surroundings the Bearded Vulture became extinct in the mid 20^th century and since then, it only could be seen in the Pyrenees.

From 2005, the Bearded Vulture Foundation (FCQ) is developing a project for its reintroduction in the mountains of the National Park of Picos de Europa. The result of this project has finished with the release of the two first young Bearded Vultures in these mountains. Their names are Deva and Leoncia.

Deva in the boundary of the National Park of Picos de Europa (F.A.P.A.S)

But previously to the release of Deva and Leoncia, the FCQ has developed a hard work that is summarized in the Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development “Mountains of the Beared Vulture”.

TOUR DESCRIPTION: From Rio Aliso Rural Apartments we’ll go to the Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development “Mountains of the Beared Vulture” in Benia de Onís, where an employed of the centre will go with us in a guided tour.

After this, the specialized guide will accompany us to the National Park of Picos de Europa to try to find the Bearded Vultures and to know the habitat where the FCQ hopes they will adapt living and breedin, especially The Majadas, the places where the sheperds of the Picos de Europa mountains care their cattle fron march to october.

The majada of Belbín in the National Park of Picos de Europa

During the journey, many other birds can be observed: Golden Eagle, Short-Toed Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Aegyptian Vulture, Red-Billed Chough, Yellow-Billed Chough and many other mountain little birds.

About Us

2010-10-24T07:17:00.001-07:00

Birding Picos de Europa is a new project located in The National Park of Picos de Europa (north of Spain) and its immediate sorroundings.

From our lodge, in the outskirts of the small village of Llonín (Asturias. Spain), we have easy access to the most important birdwatchings places of the National Park and its sorroundings, from the cantabrian coast to the alpine zone.

Here, many of our most important birds can be seen in not more than 45 minutes drive. Great raptors like Golden Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Aegiptian Vulture, Short-Toed Eagle...

Aegyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus flaying next to a Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Aegyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus

Little alpine birds like Snowfinch, Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor and much more....

Snowfinch Montifringilla nivalis

Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris

And right now (from 2010), the Bearded Vulture, perhaps the most amazing bird in the Iberian Peninsula can be observed too, due to de reintroduction led by the Fundación Quebrantahuesos.

All activities will be guided by Javier Gil, a biologist, mountain guide and experienced more than 20 years of birding in this environment.

Javier Gil, the guide, trying to find new birdwatching places

Picos de Europa Birding Tour

2010-10-24T07:04:00.000-07:00

Picos de Europa Birding Tour.

Introducción.

This is a proposal for 7 days (6 nights) in which we’ll intend to give a complete ornithological view of the east of Asturias, in the north of Spain. This is an example for a group between 2-5 people but it could be adapted to the preferences of each group in the issues and in the duration.

Day 1: Check-in in the Rio Aliso Rural Apartments. General meeting about the routes program, places to visit, perspectives, tips, security measures, etc

The Rio Aliso Rural Apartments

Day 2: Eagles and Vultures (Half day)

The mountain ranges previous to the national park of Picos de Europa, are ones of the most amazing places in the north of Spain to observe great raptors: Griffon Vulture, Aegyptian vulture, Golden Eagle, Busard, Short-toed eagle and much more can be observe easily, both in flight and in their nesting places.

A young Golden Eagle

We’ll visit the mountains around the little village of Oceño and the valley of Tajadura and Rubó rivers. They content the most spectacular Griffon Vulture nesting colonies and also some nests of Aegyptian Vulture and Golden Eagle.

A Griffon Vulture in the nest

Day 3. The Bearded Vulture (Full day)

The Bearded Vulture is probably one of the most incredible and amazing bird which can be observed in the Iberian Peninsula.

In the National Park of Picos de Europa and its surroundings the Bearded Vulture became extinct in the mid 20th century and since then, it only could be seen in the Pyrenees.

From Rio Aliso Rural Apartments we’ll go to the Centre for Biodiversity and Sustainable Development “Mountains of the Beared Vulture” in Benia de Onís, where we’ll do a guided tour

After this, we’ll go to the National Park of Picos de Europa to try to find the Bearded Vultures and to visit the natural habitat where the FCQ hopes they will adapt.

Day 4. The Forest Birds. (Half day)

The situation of our apartments, allows us easy access to some different kind of forest from the cantabrian coast to the mountains through the riparian forest of some of our most important rivers, in a short drive not more than half an hour. It's also possible to visit the mountain meadows, to try some subalpine birds.

A Black Woodpecker

This day we’ll try to find some of the most amazing forest birds such as buntings, shrikes, finches, short toed tree creeper, Eurasian nuthatch, coal tit, great tit, crested tit and much more. We'll also try to find Middle-spotted and Black woodpeckers.

Day 5. Alpine Birds. Trip for the national park of Picos de Europa (full day)

In less than one hour from the Rio Aliso Rural Apartments is possible to access to the high mountain pastures, more than 1.500 meters above the sea level in the subalpine environment.

Here and on the walls of the highest mountains it's possible to observe some of the most interesting alpine birds, like snow finch, alpine accentor, Yellow-billed chough, red-billed chough, and perhaps, with a little luck the wall creeper.

A Snowfinch

This day we’ll access to the sub alpine pastures near the village of Sotres, and walk for some hours along a path in a very good condition to one of the alpine zones of the National Park of Picos de Europa

Day 6. Journey for the Mountain Range Protected Landscape of El Cuera (Half day)

The Mountain Range protected landscape of El Cuera is located between the Cantabrian sea and the first pics of the national Park of Picos de Europa. The altitude varies between the 400 and the 1.315 m above the sea level, and its not more than 2 Km away the sea. On a clear day the panoramic views covers more than 20 km of the sea cost at north and the highest picks of Picos de Europa.

The birding possibilities are varied and amazing. Vultures an other birds of prey are pretty abundant but in my opinion the little birds like pipits, accentors, buntings and others adapted to the severe climatic conditions could make us enjoy more a nice birding day.

Day 7: Check Out and farewell.

SOME FRIENDS TRYING THE BIRDS

2010-07-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

TRIP 4. Woodpeckers and other forest birds

2009-11-30T04:52:00.000-08:00

Woodpeckers are, together with some forest raptors, ones of the most colorful and interesting birds that habit our forests. Its habitat (dense forest) and its elusive behavior makes that our observations would be exciting and unforgettable. That’s why, they can bring us great moments of fun.

The land of the woodpeckers near the Rio Aliso Rural Apartments

In our environment 4 species of woodpeckers can be found.

The Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major is the most common and easily observed in most of the clumps of trees and forests. The Green Woodpecker Picus viridis, distinctive for the green colour and their preference for meadows and forest clearings. The Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius completly black and with red hood (bigger in males), is the largest and in my opinión the most spectacular. And finally, the Peak Medium Dendrocopos medius the rarest and nearly an exception in our forests

The Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major

The Green Woodpecker Picus viridis

The Black Woodpecker Dryocopus martius

All of them, with varying degrees of difficulty, can be observed in the woods, forests and meadows near our apartments. Our method is simple. We’ll go into the woods as quietly as possible and often, we’ll make stops to listen. Their songs or pecks on the trunks will be our best guide to their location

Finally as a last resort and always respecting the periods of reproduction would proceed to claim them with a proper sound equipment.

DESCRIPTION OF ITINERARY

The site chosen for the trip will be the Argayu forest near the village of Cimiano in Peñamellera Baja. We’ll go to this village by car and from here, we’ll walk to the shrine of Espioña in the border of the forest. This is the first listening station.

Gradually, following the traditional trips, we’ll get into the heart of the forest, to develop a circular route that will bring us back to the shrine and the village of Cimiano

OTHER SPECIES

Deciduous forests of northern Spain are plenty of birds and mammals. Other birds that can be observed all along the tryp are some forest raptors such as the Bussard, the Hawk and the Goshawk. In adiction, passeriformes like Treecreepers, Nuthachs, Tits, Flycatchers and others, are abundants all arround.

Short toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla

European Nuthach Sitta europaea

Also you can find mammals such the Roe Deer, Squirrels and much more.

TRIP 3. The Alpine Birds

2009-10-08T04:21:00.001-07:00

The Rio Aliso Rural Apartments are situated close to the National park of Picos de Europa, one of the first Special Protection Areas for Birds declared in Spain. Some of the hightest peaks of the North of Spain are located here and much of the pastures are more than 1.000 m. above the sea.

Pastures at 1.300 m. above de sea level. In the distance Peña Santa Peak

This environment is suitable for the wintering and breeding of various species of alpine birds like alpine accentor, alpine sparrow, wallcreeper, red-billed chough, alpine chough and much more.

The habitat of the Alpine birds in the National Park of Picos de Europa

All of them can be watched just with a simple walk to the upland areas, especially arround Covadonga Lakes and the access to the mountain retreats of Ario and Vegarredonda.

The red-billed chough. Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax

The alpine accentor Prunella collaris

TOUR DESCRIPTION. Given the characteristics of this route and because of the trip by car will be arround 1 hour, we propose the full-day mode.

The itinerary will begin with travelling by car from the apartments to the Covadonga Lakes. From there we will ascend on foot to the mountain retreat of Vegarredonda in a journey that will last approximately 2 hours.

The track to the Vegaredonda mountain retreat

The Covadonga lakes are located 1.000 m. above the sea level and 1.460 at Vegarredonda mountain retreat. On this route is easy to see red-billed chough and alpine chough. Moreover, griffon vultures, aegyptian vultures, and other species especially raptors and passeriformes can be observed. It´s also possible to hear the singing of the Black Woodpecker.

From Vegarredonda to the Ordiales lookout (aproximately 1 hour), we placed in the territory of alpine birds like alpine accentor and alpine sparrow. This viewpoint is approximately 1.800 m. above the sea level. Furthermore and in addition to this trip is likely to observe any herd or lonely Cantabrian Chamois.

Cantabrian Chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica in the National Park of Picos de Europa

OTHER SPECIES. As already indicated, other species like predators susch as the griffon vulture, aegyptian vulture, golden eagle, booted eagle, common buzzard, ravens, crows and a great variety of little passeriformes can be observed.

TRIP 2. THE COAST

2009-08-04T04:01:00.001-07:00

The entire coast between Ribadesella (Asturias) and Comillas (Cantabria) is classified as a Special Protection Area for Birds. In addition the area includes the the Asturian Oriental Coast Protected Landscape and the Oyambre's Natural Park in Cantabria.

The Ribadesella stuary

The Tinamayor marsh

This is a coastal area with a great variety of habitats. Large cliffs, marsh areas, beaches, islets, dune areas, etc so we can observe a large variety of nesting and wintering birds and the migrations of spring and autumn.

Overview of Oyambre Natural Park and Beach

The Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelis, Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo and the Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus domains the cliffs. In the islets the European Storm-Petrel do the nests and in the marshes, especially in winter and in the migrations of spring and autumn, the wading birds and ducks resting and feeding in large number.

A Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus near the coast in Llanes

The beaches are a good place to watch different species of gulls and a great and diverse community of little birds lives in the dunes and their vegetation.

A great flock of gulls in winter in San Antolín Beach

Torimbia beach

The most exposed areas to high winds, are the ideal places to observe the migrations of shearwaters, shags, great cormorans, northern gannes, terns, and many more, especially when the wind blows from the north.

TOUR DESCRIPTION: Given the length of this coast and the diversity of habitats and species we´ll give the option of choosing a full or a half day.

In winter we suggest the visit of the Tinamayor and Tinamenor stuaries, on the border between Asturias and Cantabria, and the Natural Park Oyambre taking as benchmarks the sea lochs of San Vicente de la Barquera (good place to observing wading birds) .

Black-Tailed Godwit Limossa limossa in the Ribadesella Stuary

Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius in Oyambre beach

Afther that, La Rabia Marsh in the Natural Park of Oyambre is a good place to observe ducks, herons and egrets.

Common Pochard Aythia ferina in La Rabia Mars

Tufter Duck Aythia fuligula in La rabia Marh

The day can be completed with a visit to the beaches of Gerra and Oyambre also in The Natural Park of Oyambre.

In summer we suggest to visit the colonies of Shags Phalacrocorax aristotelix and the observation from the shore of a Yellou-Legged Gull Larus michaellis colony and the islets of European Storm-Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus. We may also look a Peregrine Falcon nest in cliff.

For half-day itineraries, we will do the same, but reducing the viewpoints according to the interests of each birdwatcher.

Finally we propose an observation activity of migratory marine birds in autumn and spring. It is recommended for the months of March and September-October

In adition to the above species other birds can be observed specially gulls and raptors like Black Kite Milvus migrans, Red Kite Milvus milvus, Short-Toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus, Common Buzzard Buteo buteo, Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis, and a large number of small birds.

Short Toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus near the coast in Llanes

A young Common Gull Larus canus in San Antolin Beach

Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis in Poo Beach in Llanes

TRIP 1. VULTURES AND EAGLES

2009-07-14T04:45:00.000-07:00

The griffon vulture Gyps fulvus, is one of the largest raptors in the Iberian Peninsula. This scavenger bird, nests in great cliffs on ledges and caves most of the time, in colonies that can acomodate dozens of nests. In spanish they are called “Buitreras”

The Grifon Vulture Gyps fulvus

In our environment, the most important areas for reproduction are located in the El Cuera Mountain Range Protected Area, the Peñamellera Peak and the National Park of Picos de Europa.

Birdwatchers in the Peñamellera Peak

In general, due to the large number of areas suitable for the location of their nests, the colonies don’t use to be big. The bigger ones are around 5-6 nests

The Aegyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus is also a scavenger bird, but he´s able to catch little preys like little snakes, lizards and even little birds. Unlike the other vultures this is a migratory bird. He reproduces in the Peninsula, and spends winter in Africa

The Aegyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus

It is white with a black rim on the wings. It’s a little bit smaller than a Griffon Vulture and not breeding in colonies. Their nests use to be located in lonely and difficult holes on cliffs.

TOUR DESCRIPTION: As stated above, the most abundant Buitreras are located in the immediate surroundings of Río Aliso Rural Apartments and have around 5 and 6 nests. This is because there are a lot of areas in which is easy to find suitable points for nesting.

We´ll visit 2 of the Buitreras at least. It depends of the state of nests and development of chicken in each moment. In this sense it´s essential to be aware that not to disturb birds, particularly in their breading season is a priority.

Birdwatchers in the boundary of the National Park of Picos de Europa trying to observe a "buitrera"

Also we´ll try to visualize the Aegyptian Vultures. Although the specific locations of the nest usually change every year, in the surrounds of the apartments 1 and 2, pairs use to nest every year.

One Aegyptian Vulture Neoprhon percnopterus sitting in the Peñamellera Peak

A pair of Aegyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus next their nest, In El Cuera Mountain Range Protected Area

Finally it is important to know that during the journey many other bird species can be watched: Black Kite, Red Kite, Short-toed Eagle, Common Buzzard, Rough-legged Buzzard, Golden Eagle…etc

A pair og Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos sitting in a tree near the National Park of Picos de Europa

LENGTH AND CONDITIONS OF THE ITINERARY: Half Day in the morning or evening to be arranged between the guide and visitors. This tour will be hold for 1 to 3 observers.

The Map

2009-07-06T23:53:00.000-07:00

Birding Picos de Europa is located in the East of Asturias, near of the cantabrian spanish coast.

On the map below, you can see where the most interesting ornithological and landscape places are located and the usual species in each place.

It is also reflected other useful information such as towns, roads, golf courses, hot springs areas…

A simple map of our sorroundings

The Environment

2009-06-24T03:51:00.000-07:00

Birdwatching in Eastern Asturias in Northern Spain offers the visitor an unparalled experience with a great diversity of birds all year round in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

This is one of the only areas in Europe where, within less than 30 km there is such a surprising range of different habitats, from the high peaks of the Picos de Europa National Park, through deciduous forests on the lower slopes and the rivers, cliffs and estuaries on this protected coastline.

Birdwatching in the boundary of the Nacional Park of Picos de Europa

A great flock of gulls in San Antolin Beach, near of Llanes

The Barro stuary in the Oriental Coust Protected Landscape

The Griffon Vulture and the Golden Eagle dominate the skies, the Alpine Acentors, Woodpeckers and Cormorants are easy to see and the over-wintering wading birds provide a challenge for the experienced birders.

Griffon vultures in the Nacional Park of Picos de Europa

A great Cormorant in a tree near the Cares River in winter

A great area to visit all year round. The mix of high mountain and coastal climate means there is always somewhere to go whatever the weather. When the clouds roll in on the coast the higher peaks are usually in bright sunshine and viceversa, seriously reducing any risk of aborting a birdwatching day.

Easy to get here even for a short break with the excellent road connections and flights and ferries to Santander at less than an hours drive.