STEPPES AND WETLANDS OF THE EBRO VALLEY

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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

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.