Experience Wildlife

STEPPES AND WETLANDS OF THE EBRO VALLEY

8 days/7 nights

Min 4 – Max 8

ARAGON

If we were to choose one word to describe our region, it would be diversity. The fact that Aragon spans the central part of the Ebro Valley and extends from the French border to the Iberian system, means that a number of diverse environments can be enjoyed within each 100 km range.

The landscape changes drastically in short distances, ranging from 3,000 meter peaks in the Pyrenees to the arid semi-desert lowlands of the Ebro river basin, passing through Mediterranean ecosystems as we move towards the Iberian range in the south.

The Birding Aragon itineraries consist of a series of organised trips designed by and for birdwatching enthusiasts. All the accommodation and guides involved during the trip belong to Birding Aragon Association and share the passion and respect for nature that all experienced birdwatchers require during an observation trip.

The proposed journey was designed to make the most of the land around the Ebro River depression, going from the vast steppes at the heart of the region and crossing through the Iberian mountainous system to the characteristic wetlands of the Ebro Delta, Spain’s broadest river mouth.

Gallocanta Laguna 6 - Spain Natural Travel

STEEPES AND WETANDS OF THE EBRO BASIN

The central part of Aragon, known as the Ebro Basin, has very peculiar geographical and climatic characteristics. It is made up of large flat areas at low altitudes above sea level, and has low rainfall, a prevalence of dry winds and significant temperature contrasts between winter and summer.

Visited Areas: Gallocanta Lagoon Nature Reserve, Belchite and El Planeron steppe bird reserves, Caspe and Mequienza reservoirs.

gallocanta 4 - Spain Natural Travel

IBERIAN SYSTEM AND THE EBRO DELTA

The Iberian system is a series of mountain chains ranging from moderate altitudes to lower Mediterranean areas with low human population densities. It includes summits and high moors at altitudes of over 1000 metres, endorheic lakes, conifer and oak forests and many river cliffs. It’s the last obstacle the Ebro must overcome before reaching the Mediterranean Sea and forming its magnificent delta.

Visited Areas: Maestrazgo mountain range, Ebro Delta natural reserve

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The tour price includes the transport from/to Zaragoza airport and Zaragoza Delicias Train Station with a dedicated driver. Besides the excellent rail connexions of Zaragoza with Barcelona and Madrid, Ryanair operates flights between Zaragoza and London, among many other European cities on a regular basis.

Reception at Zaragoza airport and train station followed by a 1h 20′ private transfer to our first accommodation at Gallocanta lagoon. A presentation is given by Birding Aragon on the next days’ trips, followed (flight-times allowing) by some free time to check out the area before dinner.

Laguna Gallocanta 1 - Spain Natural Travel

Gallocanta is a natural paradise for bird and nature lovers. At an altitude of more than 1,000 metres above sea level, it is one of the main salty wetland areas in Western Europe. Gallocanta lagoon serves as an important migration stopover point in the western Palearctic Ecozone on the Common Crane migration routes, and during the time of permanent water levels in winter, it is also possible to see some of the largest populations of Ferruginous Duck and Red-crested Pochard in Spain.

Recently, the reed beds of the lagoon have been declared of international importance due to the presence of a population of one of the most endangered small birds in Europe – the Aquatic Warbler. The second-largest colony of Great Bustards can also be found near the lagoon.

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Habitats: Arable plains, steppes with natural vegetation, gallery forests, Mediterranean shrubland, lagoons and reservoirs, limestone cliffs.

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Special Interest Species: Black Stork, Black-Winged Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Short-Toed Eagle, Northern Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Golden Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Little Bustard, Great Bustard, Eurasian Stone-Curlew, Black-Bellied Sandgrouse, Dupont’s Lark.

 

Lecera and Belchite represent exceptional examples of steppe areas. Forty thousand hectares of steppe landscape, including the 645-hectare El Planerón nature reserve, make this the best habitat of its type in northern Spain.

planeron - Spain Natural Travel

 

This windswept, arid land of dusty, red, scrub-covered plains and eroded plateaux, more reminiscent of Morocco or Afghanistan than of western Europe, holds large percentages of the Spanish populations of Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Lesser Short-toed Lark and the elusive and enigmatic Dupont’s Lark. In terms of heritage, the remains of the old town of Belchite are one of the most striking vestiges of the 1936 -1939 Civil War in.

Habitats: The best-preserved steppe vegetation in the Ebro Valley, plains with arable fields and river cliffs.

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Special Interest Species: Black Kite, Egyptian Vulture, Short-Toed Eagle, Northern Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Golden Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Peregrine Falcon, Little Bustard, Great Bustard, Eurasian Stone-Curlew, Black-Bellied Sandgrouse, Pin-Tailed Sandgrouse, Eurasian Eagle-Owl, Dupont’s Lark, Common Redstart, Whinchat, Common Rock Thrush, Dartford Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Wood Warbler, European Pied Flycatcher, Southern Grey Shrike.

The route crosses one of the most important endorheic groups of the Iberian Peninsula. An unique territory in which we can observe a great diversity and quantity of steppes species, raptors and waders. On our journey west, we find the Pena reservoir, an especially interesting point for observing summer species, such as red-rumped swallows, a variety of raptors, and other rock dwellers

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On our second day in the area, we focus on the Ebro Delta Natural Park ecological reserve. Covering an area of approximately 320 square kilometres, it encompasses the delta region formed by the Ebro River as it flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The park boasts a diverse range of habitats, including lagoons, salt marshes, beaches, and paddy fields, providing a haven for numerous plant and animal species. The park’s breath-taking landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vital ecological role make it a treasured natural gem for birdwatchers.

Habitats: Varied. Riverside forest, canyons and rocks, steppes and agricultural mosaics, wetlands and saline lagoon complexes, salt marshes, beaches, paddy fields, dunes, and riparian forests.

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Special Interest Species: Greater Flamingo, Audouin’s Gull, Collared Pratincole, Little Tern, Purple Heron, Marsh Harrier, Kentish Plover.

On the last day, on our way north to Zaragoza, we traverse the lower section of the Ebro River, visiting varied habitats from brackish lagoons, reservoirs and gypsum fluvial escarpments and coppices. Starting from the ancient endorheic saltwater lagoon of Chipriana we follow the river course to the Mequinenza reservoir (also known as “Mar de Aragón”). The route offers the chance to observe significant populations of water birds, with impressive flocks of ducks, herons, grebes, and gulls, among others.

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Habitats Riverside forests, pine forests, Mediterranean scrub, salty lagoons and reservoirs, and gypsum cliffs.

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Special Interest Species: Black-Necked Grebe, Black-Footed Plover, White Jar. Other Birds Of Interest Are The Stilt, The Red Duck, The Yellow-Legged Gull, The Marsh Harrier Or The Common Coot.

After a relaxed breakfast at our accommodation in Zaragoza, it’s time to make our way home. If return schedules allow, there will be time for one last walk along the Ebro riverbanks in the morning. Zaragoza airport and train station transfer will be provided if required.

Aragon is known for its picturesque countryside and charming rural areas. The rural guesthouses and country hotels participating provide in a regular basis accommodations for visitors interested in birding. These accommodations offer a peaceful and immersive experience, often located in scenic locations surrounded by nature. You can expect amenities such as comfortable rooms, home-cooked meals, and local insights into birding hotspots.

A full list of the selected accommodations for this trip can be found in our brochure. Please don’t hesitate to download it and request us any further info you might need.

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