Birdwatching in the Navarra region of Spain

In the doom and gloom of Autumn 2006 when avian influenza threatened, poultry and pigeon shows faced an uncertain future, our Editor accepted an invitation to visit an area which is a haven for wild birds.

Although many migrating species passed over this area, not a single outbreak of Bird Flu has been reported.

The mere mention of Spain conjures up visions of over-crowded beaches on the Costas or the so called "barmy army" of visiting football fans. Probably the last thing one would expect is the largely "undiscovered" areas recommended for the observation of wild birds in their natural habitat as well as the twice yearly migratory journeys of many species including numerous UK summer visitors.

Proudly called "The Kingdom of Navarra", the subtitle "Land of Diversity" rightly describes this region of Spain where previously its only claim to fame was the ancient city of Pamploma and the annual running of the bulls.

It is only recently, within the last 15 years, that the authorities have awakened to the fact that they are located in one of the most scenic and diverse areas for bird watching in Europe. The realisation has led to a welcome move for legislation to protect birds in Spain.

Pamploma is easily accessible from Madrid and sits in the middle of four differing areas all within little more than an hour's drive on good roads through interesting and an ever-changing countryside.

There were few signs of poultry keeping except in commercial barn structures and even less of pigeon keeping.

The surrounding hilly terrain is well populated by the Griffin Vulture and to a lesser extent, the Golden Eagle, so as would be expected, pigeons of any description are rarely seen.

With telescopes and notebooks at the ready, the serious Birders (the term Birdwatcher is frowned upon) in our party agreed it was real paradise. The official guides were only too ready to point out rare specimens which would have been otherwise missed especially by novices like your reporter. Added to this was the natural hospitality of the locals which all agreed made for a very enlightening experience.

The images show some of the rugged terrain - these can all be enlarged into a new window by clicking on them, close the new window to return.

Water birds abound in the wetlands (top image)

Deep gorge, home of the Griffin Vulture (middle row, left-hand side)

One of the impressive geological features seen in Navarra (middle row, right-hand side)

Birders high on a vantage point with a Golden Eagle in their sights (bottom row, left-hand side)

A Griffin Vulture acts as a grim sentinel on the bridge (bottom row, right-hand side)

Useful links

Official government of Navarra websites

Navarra website (English)

Navarra website (español)

 

Tourism Navarra (English version)

This site has an extensive section dealing with birding.