Birding Treks France and NE-Spain April-May 2016. On tour with … · 2015-09-04 · 2 BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016 Travel schedule Southbound: Distances and times in the last

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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016

Birding Treks France and NE-Spain April-May 2016.

On tour with Rafiki Birdwatching.

Never before has a Birdwatching organisation organised a Birding Trek to cover birding areas

between Paris and Barcelona. These areas comprise a large section of Western European birding

areas; Temperate vs. Mediterranean, Sea vs. Mountains, Swamp vs. Desert. If you join on this Trek

you will experience a lot of the birdlife that Europe has to offer.

Rafiki Birdwatching organises two Birding Treks through France and Spain. During each Trek we will

visit several good areas to watch birds, and some nice old towns. We will stay overnight in some

good hotels, eat in good restaurants, including one on a boat and other ones in a railway station, a

monastery. All these locations are rated “far above average” on Tripadvisor. On each day we will be

birding, on some days we will come back to the same lodging, so as to give you some respite from

packing and unpacking. Not a lazy poolside holiday, but intensive. However it will be without stress

as everything will be organised for you.

One Trek starts in Paris and finishes twelve days later in Barcelona. An optional extension of 4 days is

possible. During this part we will visit additional areas in NE- Spain. Participants can decide to stay a

bit longer in Barcelona or Paris, or arrive earlier in Paris. We provide you with an airline ticket to

travel back from Barcelona to Paris on a date that you choose. There are many daily flights, lasting

less than two hours.

The second Trek starts in Barcelona and finishes twelve days later in Paris. The optional extension,

birding in NE-Spain, is then planned before the actual Trek, coinciding with the optional part of the

Trek above. Again, one might decide to arrive in Barcelona earlier, spend a few days in the town and

then join the Trek. Tickets for air travel from Paris to Barcelona will be arranged as well.

Guided birding earlier in the morning, and late in the afternoon. On some days we will cover a longer

distance, but we will do that just before and after the lunch time break. Hotels are of good quality,

clean and in a nice setting. I have visited each hotel before. All food will be catered for, as well as for

non-alcoholic drinks. Bottled water and soda’s will be available during the drives.

The Trek will go ahead if 4 people join, with a maximum of 7 participants.

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Travel schedule Southbound: Distances and times in the last column are minimal. Actual travel might

be, and last, longer. Any leg lasting over two hours will be broken halfway, to relax and recuperate.

For the optional part of the tour (after the Trek Paris to Barcelona) : first come, first served. A Trek or

Extension will happen when at least 4 participants join, with a maximum of 6 participants

CDG-BCN Southbound

Day,

date

Areas to be visited Lunch On

map

Hotel at the end of the day Distance

0,

Apr22

Arrival in Paris Charles de Gaulle

Airport Welcome dinner

n/a 0 Campanile Roissy at Paris Charles de

Gaulle Airport

n/a

1, Apr23

Start from Hotel Campanile Roissy CDG

Travel to Sologne

Orleans L1 1 La Ferte St Aubin, Oree des Chenes, 208 2h16

2,

Apr24 Morning Sologne/Loire

Afternoon Shores of Lot river

Montmarault

L2

2 La Canourgue Hotel Les 2 Rives 495 4h27

3,

Apr25 Morning Gorge du Tarn

Afternoon Petit Camargue

Lodeve L3 3 Aigues Mortes Hotel Canal 353 3h38

4,

Apr26 Morning Crau/Eastern Camargue

Afternoon Western Camargue

Les Baux L4 3 Aigues Mortes Hotel Canal 200

5,

Apr27 Etangs du Midi Banyuls L5 4 St Pere Pescador Hotel El Moli 350 3h48

6,

Apr28 Morning Aiguamolls

Afternoon Cap Creus

Cadaques L6 4 St Pere Pescador Hotel El Moli 100

7,

Apr29 Morning Aiguamolls

Afternoon Garraf

Sant Sadurni

d’Anoia L7

5 Cretas, Nuestra Posada 371 4h19

8,

Apr30 Morning Els Ports, MYSTERY VISIT

Afternoon Els Ports

Morella L8 5 Cretas, Nuestra Posada 180

9,

May01 Ebrodelta South Eucalyptus

L9

5 Cretas, Nuestra Posada 180

10,

May02 Ebrodelta North Riumar L10 6 Casteldefells, Hotel Canal Olimpic

Farewell and Welcome dinner

208 2h33

11,

May03 Optional Morning Pyrenees south edge

Afternoon Pyrenees south edge

Balaguer L11 7 Huesca, Hotel Abba Huesca 270 2h52

12,

May04 Optional Morning Canfrank, San Juan

de la Pena Late Afternoon Riglos

San Juan de

la Pena L12

7 Huesca, Hotel Abba Huesca 100

13,

May05 Optional Morning Sotonera / Galachos

del Ebro Afternoon Belchite

Alfinden L13 8 Belchite, Hotel Oleum 124 1h22

14,

May06 Optional Morning Sotonera/Monegros

Afternoon Montserrat

Montserrat

L14

6 Casteldefells, Hotel Canal Olimpic


318 3h01

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Travel schedule Northbound: Distances and times in the last column are minimal. Actual travel might

be, and last, longer. Any leg lasting over two hours will be broken halfway, to relax and recuperate.

For the optional part of the tour (before the Trek Barcelona to Paris starts) : first come, first served. A

Trek or Extension will happen when at least 4 participants join, with a maximum of 6 participants

BCN-CDG Northbound

Day Areas to be visited Hotel at the end of the day Distance

10,

May02 n/a 6 Casteldefells, Hotel Canal Olimpic


208 2h33

11,

May03 Optional Morning Pyrenees south edge Afternoon Pyrenees south edge

Balaguer L11 7 Huesca Hotel Abba Huesca 270 2h52

12,

May04 Optional Morning Canfrank, San Juan de la Pena Late Afternoon Riglos

San Juan de la Pena L12

7 Huesca Hotel Abba Huesca 100

13,

May05 Optional Morning Sotonera Afternoon Belchite

Zaragoza L13 8 Belchite, Hotel Oleum 124 1h22

14,

May06 Optional Morning Sotonera/Monegros Afternoon Montserrat

Montserrat L14

6 Casteldefells, Hotel Canal Olimpic Farewell and Welcome dinner

318 3h01

15,

May07 Ebrodelta North Riumar L10 5 Cretas, Nuestra Posada 208 2h33

16,

May08 Ebrodelta South Eucalyptus

L9 5 Cretas, Nuestra Posada 180

17,

May09 Morning Els Ports MYSTERY VISIT Afternoon Els Ports

Morella L8 5 Cretas, Nuestra Posada 180

18,

May10 Morning Garraf Afternoon Aiguamolls

Sant Sadurni d’Anoia L7

4 St Pere Pescador, Hotel El Moli 371 4h19

19,

May11 Morning Aiguamolls Afternoon Cap Creus

Cadaques L6 4 St Pere Pescador, Hotel El Moli 100

20,

May12 Etangs du Midi Sete L5 3 Aigues Mortes, Hotel Canal 350 3h48

21,

May13 Morning Western Camargue Afternoon Eastern Camargue

Les Baux L4 3 Aigues Mortes, Hotel Canal 100

22,

May14 Morning Crau Afternoon

Lodeve L3 2 La Canourge, Hotel Les 2 Rives 353 3h38

23,

May15 Morning Lot Afternoon Sologne Montmarault

L2 1 La Ferte St Aubin, Oree des Chenes, 447 4h18

24,

May16 Morning Sologne/Loire Orleans L1 0 Finish at Campanile Roissy near Paris

Charles de Gaulle Airport Evening: Farewell dinner

208 2h16

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Numbers refer to the places where we lodge. L-numbers for lunch locations. (Picture from Google Earth)

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Planning, Day by day,

Day 0. Friday, April 22nd, Convening at Paris Airport.

This day we will independently arrive at the hotel, close to the Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.

The hotel is just some 3 kilometres from the terminal, so a short taxi ride will get you there. A shuttle

bus drives from 05.00 AM until midnight, at a smaller cost. We will be having a get-together and

Welcome Dinner starting at 19.00 PM.

Lodging: Hotel Campanile Roissy, Allée du Verger, 95700 Roissy-en-France, near Paris.

Day 1. Saturday, April 23rd, Starting in Paris. CDG-BCN

We will be leaving the hotel at the airport at 09.00 AM On a Saturday morning the traffic will be less

dense, so by about 11.00 we will have left Paris behind us and will be travelling on the Toll-road

towards Orleans. Keep a look out for Montagu’s Harrier. This takes us to our first lunch, along the

Loire river in Orleans. Surely there will be Little Egret, the cross-Atlantic version of your Snowy Egret.

After that it is just a

short ride to the hotel.

We check in and will be

able to relax in its

garden. Dinner in the

village nearby. The first

impressions on this Trek

will make that sleep will

come soon.

Lodging: Hotel Oree des Chenes, La Ferte St Aubin.

Day 2. Sunday, April 24th, Towards the Gorge du Tarn. CDG-BCN

We will do a morning bird walk at 07.00 AM, followed by breakfast. Then follows

a ride through the central part of France. We will have lunch near Montmarault.

Even from the main road you can still see many birds. The Cranes that fly past

here on migration are gone, but other species can be seen on many places.

Count the many Common Buzzards and Red Kite. We will make a short stop at a

bridge that is closely linked to a statue in the New York area. It is the longest

ride of the Trek today, so when we reach the hotel it will be late afternoon. A

walk along the river, a look into the sky, a nightcap and off to bed.

Lodging: Hotel Les 2 Rives in La Canourgue

White Wagtail, photo by Delilah

Snowy Egret, for comparison

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Day 3. Monday, April 25th, CDG-BCN Causses and Western Camargue

After breakfast, we leave, to stop within an hour. To look at the marvellous, Norman Foster designed,

bridge of Millau. A huge limestone plateau stretches in front of us. We

make a stop here and enjoy the early morning smell and sound. Quail,

warblers. Then we drive past the Cevennes to lunch at a restaurant

overlooking Lac de Salagou. Driving on past Montpellier we enter into the

Delta of the Rhone river, the Camargue. A vast area of brackish water,

saltbush, marshland and rice paddies. We make a short ride into La Petite

Camargue, “the Little Camargue”. Listen for Corn Bunting and Zitting

Cisticola. We will have a stop at St Maries de la Mer. A good variety of

waders can be seen on that stretch. We will go to our hotel where we will

stay for two nights. Dinner in the old Town.

Lodging: Hotel Canal in Aigues Mortes

Day 4. Tuesday, April 26th, CDG-BCN Crau and Eastern Camargue

We will spend the morning in the Crau, at the foot of a hill range

called Les Alpilles. The area is a plain that was formed by the

Durance river long time ago. It is now a dry stony semi-desert.

Roller, Hoopoe, Sandgrouse, Lesser Grey Shrike. After lunch, at Les

Baux, we visit the Eastern part of the Camargue and if we will not

see the ”Firebirds of the Camargue”, Greater Flamingo, something

must have gone seriously wrong. After dinner in Les Saladelles in

Salin de Giraud we will return to our hotel in Aigues Mortes, an

after dark drive back might give us some unexpected meetings.


Day 5. Wednesday, April 27th, CDG-BCN Etangs du midi

We leave the hotel after breakfast and start following the coastline

of the Mediterranean. A series of brackish water lakes, called

étangs, hold Black-necked Stilt, and other waders. Coffee at Sete, a

small fishing port. After that we continue towards Spain, still

following the coast, but on the motorway. We leave this for lunch at

Restaurant Le Jardin de Saint-Sébastien, 10 Avenue du Fontaulé,

66650 Banyuls sur Mer, where we will have a late lunch. A winding

road then leads us over the eastern end of the Pyrenees, just before

these mountains submerge into the Mediterranean. The border is

nothing but a line. The hotel will be giving us some well deserved

rest. We will have dinner in the village.

Lodging: Hotel El Moli, in St Pere Pescador near Roses.

Squacco Heron

Hotel Canal Aigues Mortes

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Day 6. Thursday, April 28th, CDG-BCN Aiguamolls and Cap Creus

We will first visit the Reserve at Aiguamolls. Purple Gallinule has been reintroduced here. There is a

viewing tower, some hides and an information centre. Over the whole year, a huge number of bird

species use the marshes and vegetation, sometimes in great numbers. Lunch at Cadaques, the small

port where the artist Dali had a house. From here, it is just a short but very scenic road to the

lighthouse at Cap Creus. This most easterly

point of the Pyrenees chain of mountains is

overlooking the Mediterranean. There is a

chance to see some pelagic species especially

if a fishing boat is within close viewing

distance. Dinner at the Roses coast. Then

back to the same hotel as the night before.

Lodging: Hotel El Moli, St Pere Pescador.

Day 7. Friday, April 29th, CDG-BCN Aiguamolls Penedes

We will spend some more time in the Aiguamolls area. Then it is off to the south. Lunch in Sant

Sadurni d’Anoia. That is a village in the Penedes, which is the prime area for the production of Cava,

the Spanish answer to Champagne. From there it is another two hour drive through a range of some

low but sometimes steep hills. Keeping a good lookout for Shrikes, Beeeaters and Short-toed Eagle.

We will reach the lovely B&B of Nuestra Posada late in the afternoon, dinner will be served there.

Day 8. Saturday, April 30th, CDG-BCN Ebro-delta south.

A quick visit to Arens de Lledo (BE). We enter the southern half of the Ebro delta near Amposta.

Driving via Poblenou we will visit a number of hides and observation towers that are always very

productive. Gulls, Pratincoles and Herons. Lunch will

be taken at Eucaliptus, good on local seafood. The

nearby hide of Riet Vell is a good photo opportunity.

Chances for Purple Gallinule, waders, Flamingo and

terns. A short visit to Horta de San Joan Dinner,

where Picasso became cubist. Dinner in the village of

Cretas.

Lodging: B&B Nuestra Posada near Cretas

Cubist? Horta de Sant Joan

El Moli Hotel St Pere Pescador

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Day 9. Sunday, May 1st, CDG-BCN Els Ports.

After an early breakfast we leave for a surprise visit. We have to go to Valderrobres. Once that,

remarkable, visit is over we leave for Morella, passing

Herbes and going over the pass of Torre Miro, a good place

for Wheatears and Stonechat. Raven and Egyptian Vulture

are frequently seen here. We have lunch in Morella, the

southernmost point of the Trek. The small town has an

impressive Moorish castle and a, now defunct, aquaduct.

After lunch we pass on the southern side of the Els Ports

mountain range. Via La Senia and Xerta, we head to Mont

Caro. A good spot for the local subspecies of Ibex. On the

way to the B&B we take a ‘special‘ route, further improving

our chances. Dinner in Bot. And then on to the B&B.


Day 10. Monday, May 2nd, CDG-BCN Ebro-delta north.

This is the last day for those that have not opted for the extension. We will leave the B&B after

breakfast. We will take the slightly circuitous Calaceite, Gandesa, Miravet-ferry route towards El

Perello and Ampolla. At the harbour we will have some coffee, very likely ticking another Audouins’

Gull. After the coffee we will start following minor

roads through the Delta. With luck we can see

seven different herons, Glossy Ibis and gulls, like

Slender-billed, Mediterranean and Black-headed.

Frequent stops near rice paddies, brackish water

lagoons and the sea, bring us to Riumar, where

we will have lunch. From there we continue

searching for birds in the delta. At about 4 we will

leave the Delta, head for Barcelona, about two

and a half hours away. Just 8 kilometres before

Barcelona-Airport lies Casteldefells, next to the

1980’s Olympic rowing channel. Our hotel lies in a

quiet street some 10 minutes walking from the

beach. We will have a Welcome and Farewell

dinner at 20.00 PM

Lodging: Hotel Olimpic, Casteldefells

Note: This is where some people might leave, and where some might

join. The Extension goes on tomorrow. To those that leave here:

When booking you can indicate whether you want help in arranging

accommodation. A flight back to Paris will be arranged for you. But

you might like to sample more tapas or Gaudi architecture in town

and stay some days longer.

Dragonfly, Sympetrum sp. Photographed 30 meters away from the restaurant in Riumar.

Gaudi

Nuestra Posada (photo by N.P.)

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Day 11. Tuesday, May 3rd, Extension. Casteldefells to Huesca

The farewell and welcome dinner for those that have had to return earlier/joined yesterday is now behind us and this morning we will head for the southern flanks of the Pyrenees. Taking the N-11 road towards Tarrega and Balaguer. From the latter town we make a loop along some scenic routes and return in time to Balaguer for lunch. Well fed we continue via Benabarre and Barbastro towards Huesca, our place to stay for two nights. Lodging: Abba Huesca, Huesca, Spain.

Day 12. Wednesday, May 4th, Extension High Pyrenees

Today we will head into the higher parts of the Pyrenees Mountain chain. Going into the valley of

Canfranc., almost back into France. At this time of the year there will certainly still be snow on all

peaks, so dress warmly. We will spend some time at the 6000 foot level or above. Then we will head

for San Juan de la Pena and some warmth. On the way we will have lunch near Canfranc. The next

stop at Monastery of la Pena, has forests surrounding it, with some songbirds that we might add to

the list: Citril Finch, woodpeckers, tits. When later that afternoon we return towards the hotel in

Huesca, we will have good looks at vultures. A long climb by car to a viewpoint near The Mallos de

Riglos. And back to the hotel for a hearty meal.

Lodging: Abba Huesca, Huesca, Spain.

Day 13. Thursday, May 5th, Extension Huesca Belchite

The day starts with a short drive towards the Embalse de Sotonera. Quite an impressive amount of

water in an otherwise dry landscape, the birds know it. We have some coffee

at Almudevar and then head south towards Zaragoza. Just before that town,

however, we turn left to reach the Galacho de Alfranca. Look for reed birds,

warblers, herons, and maybe Penduline tit. Lunch in La Puebla de Alfinden.

Then we continue to Belchite, but via Quinto and Codo. This road leads us

through a stunning landscape of dry gypsum and sandstone layered rocks. We

will make a first try for Dupont’s Lark and then go to the hotel.

Lodging: Hotel Oleum, Belchite.

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Day 14. Friday, May 6th, Extension Monegros

The morning will be giving us another chance for Dupont’s Lark. Early rise, morning drive and then

back to the hotel for breakfast.

We will then use the Azaila, Sastago road, crossing the Ebro once again to go to the Laguna la Playa.

At this moment it cannot be predicted how much water this will hold. But we’ll try. We’ll lunch at

Lleida. (This is the name of the town in the local language, Catala. From this

town some people must have moved to Colombia, naming a town there

after the town they originated from, but in the Spanish version, Lerida). We

will go to a restaurant serving burgers, but not a Mc or King. Afterwards we

follow the Igualada route to Montserrat and on to Castelldefels, where we

reach the hotel we were in, three nights ago.

Lodging: Hotel Olimpic, Casteldefells

Note: Participants that already joined in Paris will leave here. Some

participants for the Northbound Trek will join us in the hotel for a Welcome

and Farewell dinner at 20.00 PM.

Day 15. Saturday, May 7th, BCN-CDG Ebro-delta north.

We will now have had the farewell and welcome dinner for those that had to return after the

Extension and Southbound Trek and those that started yesterday. This morning we will continue

together on the Northbound Trek. But, strangely, at 08.00AM, we are immediately heading south,

using the Toll-road, AP-7. A cup of coffee at Ampolla at the harbour, before we really tick an

Audouins’Gull.

Montserrat

11


After the coffee we will start following minor roads through the Delta. With luck we can see seven

different herons, Glossy Ibis and gulls, like Slender-billed, Mediterranean and Black-headed. Frequent

stops near rice paddies, brackish water lagoons and the sea, bring us to Riumar, where we will have

lunch. From there we continue searching for birds in the delta. We head for Tortosa and Horta de San

Juan (Picasso became cubist here). We will then head to Nuestra Posada, a friendly run B&B, with a

beautiful view and a well deserved dinner.


Day 16. Sunday, May 8th, BCN-CDG Els Ports.

After an early breakfast we leave for a surprise visit. We have to

go to Valderrobres. Once that, remarkable, visit is over we leave

for Morella, passing Herbes and going over the pass of Torre

Miro, a good place for Wheatears and Stonechat. Raven and

Egyptian Vulture are frequently seen here. We have lunch in

Morella, the southernmost point of the Trek. The small town has

an impressive Moorish castle and a, now defunct, aquaduct.

After lunch we pass on the

southern side of the Els Ports

mountain range. Via La Senia

and Xerta, we head to Mont

Caro. A good spot for the local

subspecies of Ibex. On the way

to the our dinner we might take a ‘special‘ route, further improving our chances. Dinner will be in

Bot.


Day 17. Monday, May 9th, BCN-CDG Ebro-delta south.

After breakfast we will take the slightly circuitous Arens de Lledo

(BE), El Perello and Amposta. Here we enter into the southern

part of the Ebro delta. Via Poblenou we will visit a number of

hides and observation towers that are always very productive.

Gulls, Pratincoles and Herons. Lunch will be taken at Eucaliptus,

good on local seafood. The nearby hide of Riet Vell is a good

photo opportunity. Chances for Purple Gallinule, waders,

Flamingo and terns. On the way back, we give ourselves another

chance for Ibex by making a detour towards Mont Caro. Then

back to the B&B. Diner in Cretas village.


Arens de Lledo

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Day 18. Tuesday, May 10th, BCN-CDG Garraf and Aiguamolls.

We say goodbye to our hosts from the B&B and head for Calaceite, Gandesa and using the Miravet-

ferry route towards Reus we will reach the Garraf. A very steep road brings us on top of the plateau.

We look for Pallid Swift and Bonelli’s Eagle. Descending again we continue past Barcelona, towards

the Aiguamolls and Rosas. The hotel is just a few kilometres before that busy tourist centre.


Day 19. Wednesday, May 11th, BCN-CDG Aiguamolls and Cap Creus.

We will first visit the Reserve at Aiguamolls. Purple Gallinule has been reintroduced here. There is a

viewing tower, some hides and an information centre. Over the whole year, a huge number of bird

species use the marshes and vegetation, sometimes in great numbers. Lunch at Cadaques, the small

port where the artist Dali had a house. From here, it is just a short but very scenic road to the

lighthouse at Cap Creus. This most easterly point of the Pyrenees chain of mountains is overlooking

the Mediterranean. There is a chance to see some pelagic species especially if a fishing boat is within

close viewing distance. Dinner at the Roses coast. Then back to the same hotel as the night before.


Day 20. Thursday, May 12th, BCN-CDG Etangs du midi

We leave the hotel after breakfast and start climbing towards France. The border crossing is a mere

line on the pavement. We continue following the coastline of the Mediterranean. A series of brackish

water lakes, called étangs, hold Black-necked Stilt, and other waders. Cultures of mussels and oysters

can be seen. Lunch at Banyuls, a small fishing port. After that we continue towards the Camargue, on

the Toll-road, still along the coast. The hotel will give us some well-deserved rest. We will have

dinner in the old town.


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Day 21. Friday, May 13th, BCN-CDG Camargue and Crau

We will spend the morning in the Crau. Lunch in Les Baux at the foothills of the Alpilles. The

afternoon will be spent in the eastern part of the Camargue, which has the large saltpans. If we will

not see the ”Firebirds” of the Camargue, Greater Flamingo, something must have gone wrong. We

will return to our hotel. We will have dinner in Salin de Giraud, and an evening drive back to the hotel

will offer chances for unexpected encounters.


Day 22. Saturday, May 14th BCN-CDG Western Camargue, Causses

Coffee at St.Maries de la Mer. This seaside village is very important to the Roma and Sinti, locally

known as gitanes, gypsies. They have a yearly procession

here to honour the Virgin. Afterwards we head to the

west, via Montpellier we will reach the area of causses,

limestone plateaus, cut by deep valleys. We will have lunch

at Lodeve, after which a spectacular road gets us on top of

the causse. We will have a walk there, listening and looking

for Quail, Yellowhammer, Red-backed Shrike.

Another valley is Gorge du Tarn. The town of Millau

straddles the Tarn river and clearly visible from the town is

the big bridge designed by Norman Foster. We climb out of

this valley and continue towards a nice hotel at the shore

of the Lot river.

Lodging: Hotel Les 2 Rives in La Canourgue

Day 23. Sunday, May 15th, BCN-CDG La Canourgue to the Sologne

We will do a morning bird walk

at 07.00 AM, followed by

breakfast. Then follows a ride

through the central part of

France. We will have lunch near

Montmarault. Count the many

Common Buzzards and Red Kite.

It is the longest ride of the Trek

today, so when we reach the

hotel it will be late afternoon. A

walk through the garden, dinner

in the village, a nightcap and off

to bed.

Lodging: Hotel Oree des Chenes, La Ferte St Aubin.

Griffon Vulture. Reintroduction programs are carried out for several vulture species in the areas we travel through

14


Day 24, Monday, May 16th, BCN-CDG Towards Paris

We will do a morning bird walk at 07.00 AM, certainly followed by breakfast. We will then make it to

Orleans for lunch. Then follows the last leg of the journey; we have to reach the hotel near the

airport. To complete an adventure that I hope will leave an indelible impression of what France and

Spain have to offer. Birds, food, drinks, views, people. We will celebrate the end of the Trek with a

farewell dinner.

Lodging: Hotel Campanile Roissy, Allée du Verger, 95700 Roissy-en-France, near Paris CDG Airport.

Day 25. Tuesday, May 17th, Going where ever?

The van will leave at 09.00 AM, those that want to

be dropped off at the airport at that time, can get a

courtesy ride with me. There is certainly a possibility

to get a later shuttle, or a taxi downtown, where

Paris beckons.

I hope the programme appeals to you and to meet you some sunny April day in Paris.

Note: Starting September 2nd, in Paris, we will start a second set of Treks, the program will be the

same, but of course the dates mentioned above will be shifted accordingly: Southbound Trek

September 2nd until 13th, Northbound Trek September 16th until 27th , Extension September 12th

until 17th.

Note: As far as I know at this moment, the above program can be executed as indicated. But

restaurants and hotels may close or change opening hours. In such a case, I will try to get us into

comparable lodging, a similar dining room or on an equal quality terrace.

Note: All images have been made by me, unless indicated otherwise.

15


Concise description of areas to be visited on the trek:

Name Location Type Information

Sologne 100 km south of

Orleans, France

Forest and fresh

water lakes and

ponds

Book: Loire Valley, Crossbill Guide.

Mix of forests, Loire river and lakes.


Causses de

Millau/Gorges

du Tarn

200 km south of

Clermont-

Ferrand.

Dry chalk cliffs and

plateaux.

http://www.causses-cevennes.com/defaultUK.htm

Dry area, deserted.


Crau Between Arles

and Marseille

Stone desert. http://www.birdersmarket.com/acatalog/La_Crau.html

Dry stony desert. Formerly a riverbed of the Durance River. Little Bustard, Hoopoe, vultures, Roller,

Beeeater. Larks, Black Kite, Sandgrouse and Stone Curlew. Shrikes.


Camargue In triangle Arles,

Salin de Giraud

and Sete

Marsh, rice paddies

and saltbush marsh

and saltponds.

Book: Camargue, by Luc Hoffmann

http://www.beyond.fr/sites/camargue.html

The estuary of the Rhone river. Two branches reach the Mediterranean. The area in between is a mix

of wetlands, varying in salinity. Flamingo, Egrets and Herons. Warblers, Ducks, Marsh Harrier, Stilts.


Etangs du

Midi

Between

Camargue and

Pyrenees

Salt water lakes http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89tang_de_Thau

Natural in origin, these lakes of varying salinity are intensively used for aquaculture (mussels,

oysters), recreation, yachting. Still, many waders find it an attractive area to breed and feed.

http://www.causses-cevennes.com/defaultUK.htm

http://www.birdersmarket.com/acatalog/La_Crau.html

http://www.beyond.fr/sites/camargue.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89tang_de_Thau

16



Aiguamolls 20 km south of

Rosas, Spain

Marshes, fresh

and saline

http://www.empordaturisme.com/en/Associats/Natural_Parks-

188/PARC_NATURAL_DELS_AIGUAMOLLS_DE_LEMPORDA-

30.htm

A marshland of fresh and brackish water. Already protected over a longer period, this offers chances

for warblers, Purple Gallinule, Stork. Among many others.


Cap Creus Jutting into

Mediterranean,

on French-

Spanish border.

Rocky peninsula. http://www.iberianature.com/regions/catalonia/cap-

de-creus/

The easternmost end of the Pyrenees mountain chain. Here, it submerges into the Mediterranean.

Black Wheatear, Cory’ Shearwater and with luck Gannet and other marine birds. Our lunch will be

taken in the village where Dali lived.


Garraf 30 km SW of

Barcelona

Dry coastal

mountains

http://www.castelldefelsturisme.com/ca/qh-parc-

del-garraf-informacio-

general?idioma=3&id_pagina=ca/qh-parc-del-garraf-

informacio-general

This is an area of limestone mountains, (sea-)cliffs and dry shrubland. Pallid Swift, Red-rumped

Swallow, Bonelli’s Eagle.


Els Ports East coast 180

km SW of

Barcelona

Mountains

reaching 4000

feet.

http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sitefactsheet.php?id=1812

Quite spectacular scenery, Spanish Ibex, Red Deer, Vultures, Raven, Bonelli’s and Booted Eagle.

Warblers, Rock Sparrow, Oriole.

http://www.empordaturisme.com/en/Associats/Natural_Parks-188/PARC_NATURAL_DELS_AIGUAMOLLS_DE_LEMPORDA-30.htm



http://www.iberianature.com/regions/catalonia/cap-de-creus/

http://www.iberianature.com/regions/catalonia/cap-de-creus/

http://www.castelldefelsturisme.com/ca/qh-parc-del-garraf-informacio-general?idioma=3&id_pagina=ca/qh-parc-del-garraf-informacio-general





17


On the extension we will visit:


Riglos Southern flanks

of Pyrenees

Steep cliffs Book: Crossbill guide Spanish Pyrenees

http://turismo.hoyadehuesca.es/en/la-hoya-de-

huesca/natural/rincones-especiales/los-mallos/los-

mallos-de-riglos

The cliffs are holding a mix of vultures and raptors. Swifts, Martins and swallows. It has a nice

viewpoint that can be reached by vehicle. Good views of the surrounding plains as well. Photography.


Sotonera Dam. Book: Crossbill guide Spanish Pyrenees


A dam in an otherwise dry area. Of course this attracts many birds. Gulls, raptors, and larks. Hoopoe,

Roller.


Belchite Steppe with alkaline

soils

Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belchite

This town was fought over in the Civil War. The old centre has been left as it was immediately after

the conflict as a reminder of what war brings. The birding in the vicinity is mainly concerning birds in

desert and steppe environment: Bustard, Sandgrouse, Stone Curlew, Lesser Kestrel. Dupont’s Lark,

very difficult to find, might be the added bonus here.


Monegros Northern Aragon Steppe to desert http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monegros_Desert

A very dry and dusty area. Birds similar to those at Belchite, landscape is different.


Montserrat 50 kilometers

west of Barcelona

Dry Mountain http://www.montserratvisita.com/en/history

The Serrated Mountain, well known for the Monastery and its Black Madonna. Access possible by

cable car. Quite crowded on the top, near the church. Rock Thrush, Raptors, Vultures.

http://turismo.hoyadehuesca.es/en/la-hoya-de-huesca/natural/rincones-especiales/los-mallos/los-mallos-de-riglos




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belchite

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monegros_Desert

http://www.montserratvisita.com/en/history

18



Barcelona North-East coast

of Spain

Town Book: Barcelona, by Robert Hughes

www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/

A city of Catalan culture, and a relaxed atmosphere. Enough things to see and enjoy; to last you

weeks. Many escaped parrots.


Paris North of France Town http://en.parisinfo.com/practical-paris/paris-

convention-and-visitors-bureau/welcome-centres

A city of European culture,. Loads to see and visit. Unfortunately, most pigeons are feral.

Additional information:

General:

- Physical demands, the program is quite intense. Some days will be a bit long, but with

regular stops. If you are on a diet or on medication please consult your physician.

- Climate and weather, April and May can still be cool. When we will be in or near mountains

the weather might be unpredictable. On the other hand most of the time, we can expect very

nice weather, warm and sunny.

- Clothing, take clothing that you can add or peel off in layers. Days tend to heat up

considerably. While an evening on a terrace might still be a bit chilly.

- Travel documents, a valid passport is necessary to get into and travel within the European

Union. US-citizens do not require a visum for France nor Spain, unless you want to extend

your visit for more than 90 days. For other nationalities please check.

- Luggage, as in an airplane, maximum per person: one suitcase, one trolley.

Reading:

- de Guana and Garcia, 2015, The Birds of the Iberian Peninsula , Helm Publishers

ISBN 978-1-4081-2480-2

- Pyrenees Crossbill Guides. ISBN: 978 90 5011 382 3

- Loire Valley Crossbill Guides. ISBN 978 90 5011 3540

- Rebane, Michael; 1999, Where to watch birds in North & East Spain, Christopher Helm

ISBN 0-7136-4700-0

- Lockwood, Mike, M. Wood & S. Tranah; 2003, Spain, Travellers’ Nature Guide

- Svensson et al, 2009, Collins Bird Guide 2nd Edition, Harper Collins ISBN 978 000 7268 146

Some the books and maps mentioned will be taken with us in the vehicle, for reference.

When within reach of Wifi, we can also access HBW-Alive, the website that links us with Handbook of

the Birds of the World.

http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/wv3/en/

http://en.parisinfo.com/practical-paris/paris-convention-and-visitors-bureau/welcome-centres

http://en.parisinfo.com/practical-paris/paris-convention-and-visitors-bureau/welcome-centres

19


Eating and drinking:

When abroad, food and drinks are different. The time of eating is also

different. In both France and Spain, lunch has a bigger part in the daily menu.

Dinner in Spain starts at

nine PM, but they have

tapas before that. Best to

only drink bottled water,

not from the tap, as this is

often strongly chlorinated.

Nasties:

Yes, venomous snakes exist in Europe, but I have never found one in France nor Spain. Insects can be

a bit more of a nuisance. But we will be travelling at the beginning of their growing season. Insect

repellent is normally sufficient to keep them at bay. We will not enter areas where animals are kept

that might be dangerous (Near Bee hives, bull fighting cattle, etc.).

Health:

If you feel fit, are fit, and are capable of walking distances of up to 1 kilometre, then there is no

problem participating in the program of this Trek. Temperatures will be fluctuating, but the car and

air conditioning in hotels will take away extremes.

The Extension has one day during which we will go to about 6000 foot altitude. Normally, altitude

sickness is not a problem at such heights, but when in doubt, consult your physician.

If you need regular medicine, please do not forget to take it with you and to bring a spare recipe, to

get replacements in case you lose the medicine.

If you have any allergies, (food, insect bites, pollen) please hand me a list of those in a closed

envelope before the start of the Trek, the envelope will stay closed and will be returned to you

unless a necessity requires its opening.

Tapas, a variety of small bites, normally eaten late afternoon, with drinks

20


RATES, in US dollars.

Per person sharing:

Trek 12 days, from Paris to Barcelona, by van, return to Paris by plane or

by plane from Paris to Barcelona, by van back to Paris 2700,

Extension 4 days, Barcelona to Barcelona 700.

Per person single :

Trek 12 days, from Paris to Barcelona, by van, return to Paris by plane or

by plane from Paris to Barcelona, by van back to Paris 3400,

Extension 4 days, Barcelona to Barcelona 1000.

This includes:

- Lodging,

- food

- non-alcoholic drinks* during the Trek and Extension.

- The low cost carrier flight that completes the Trek (CDG-BCN or BCN-CDG) is

included in the rate.

Participants have to make sure that they are insured, and that they have a visum (if applicable). US

citizens do not need visa, provided that their stay is limited to a maximum of 90 days.

Flights between the USA and Paris are not be included in this rate.

*At meal times, stops and while travelling. Not from minibar or taken while being away from the

group.

21


Booking procedure:

You do not want to spend money for nothing. Just like everyone. So bookings will be handled as

follows:

STEP 1: You send an e-mail to [email protected], indicating that you (and those in your

party) want to book. If you want more information, you can use the same address. Please give name,

address and telephone number, at which you can be reached. I will reply to your questions and send

you a booking form.

STEP2: You fill in the booking form and return it to [email protected]. You pay a deposit of

USD 1000 if you join a Trek and of USD 1400 if you join the Extension as well. This deposit assures

your spot “in the system”, and you will get notification of that, with a receipt. The remainder of the

price has to be paid 2 months before the actual start of the Trek (and Extension) you are participating

in. Do not yet book your Transatlantic flight!

As stated before, a Trek happens when at least 4 people are participating, with a maximum of 7. First

come, first served. The deposit will be returned in full if:

- a Trek does not happen, because there are fewer than 4 people joining,

- you (or others in your party) are super-numerous, by the time that the down payment has

been received.

- a Trek does not happen, due to cancellation by Rafiki Birdwatching.

The deposit will be returned, minus USD 200,- (airline ticket) if you have to cancel, but your place can

be taken by someone else.

The deposit will not be returned, when nobody replaces you as a participant in the case that:

- you cancel,

- or do not show

- or do not pay the remaining rate.

Once the minimum number of participants is reached, you will be notified again. This decision has to

be made before October 15, 2015. So book quickly. When the Trek will go on. you will be asked to

send a copy of your passport (s). Please provide details about the date and time you want to make

the flight from Barcelona to Paris or Paris to Barcelona, as you might like to stay a bit longer in any of

those two towns. Rafiki Birdwatching will book you on such a flight, according to your wishes and the

Trek travel planning. This will be done before October 30st. Once booked, the E-ticket will

immediately be copied to you.

STEP3: You can now book your transatlantic flight from the US to Paris and back. Please send a copy

of the flight data to me, so that we can follow up on your progress before the Trek starts. In case of

flight delays, we can then try to anticipate.

STEP4: Make sure that the remainder of the rate has been paid and make it to your flight to Europe

in time.

See you in Paris.

mailto:[email protected]


22


Personal introduction.

It is important to know who you are joining on the Trek. My name

is Robert de Groot.

Together with my wife and two sons we lived, worked and studied

many years in East-Africa. Before the boys saw their first Red Fox,

they had seen hundreds of Elephant and half a million Wildebeest.

Now that I think of it, the same goes for me. My wife saw Fox first.

She works in International Development, currently for Oxfam-

Novib. We live in the Netherlands.

Birdwatcher since the early 70’s of last century. When travel was

by bicycle, when a telephone was still firmly attached to the wall,

and binoculars were borrowed from a father who worked in the

merchant navy. Technology changed that, but the enthusiasm

stayed. Trips in the Netherlands with 9 lifers over 4 days became safaris with sometimes more than

5 lifers a day.

Study took me the Camargue in France for half a year each. The nearby areas were also explored

intensively. Holidays were spent in the Pyrenees, the Alps and on the Island of Corsica. Later on, to

Kenya and the countries around it. As a family, we have now landed firmly in NE-Spain, where we

own a plot of land to be developed into an environmentally friendly farm.

At the end of our last contract in Africa we travelled back overland to the Netherlands. We wrote a

blog on that trip which you can read at: http://www.travelpod.com/travel-

blog/robertandtanja/1/tpod.html . And, yes, we saw some birds on the way.

The last five years I have been working as a professional birdwatching guide. Independent, but in

close cooperation with Flevo Birdwatching, a small band of birding guides. In that capacity I met

people, involved in the Buena Vista chapter of the Audubon Society. Together we came up with the

idea of these Birding Treks in France and Spain.

My excursions and Treks are not always only about birds. Birds are organisms in an environment, a

habitat. They choose where to go, and it is interesting to find out why they do what they do. So

natural history comes closely behind spotting. Geology, history and general nature take a big part in

guiding as well. It is so interesting what is there, why it is there, since when it is there. It can be a bird

(of course) but also a building, a canal, a tree or a mountain range. This forms an integral part of

guiding, as I see it.

For any recommendations read the testimonials at

www.birdsnetherlands.com/testimonials.

If you have any questions or remarks about the Treks, you can always contact me at

[email protected]

I can communicate well in French, and quite well in Spanish. The above is an example of my level in

English.

In a Bedouin overcoat, Petra, Jordan

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/robertandtanja/1/tpod.html

http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/robertandtanja/1/tpod.html

http://www.birdsnetherlands.com/testimonials


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Birding Treks France and NE-Spain April-May 2016. On tour with … · 2015-09-04 · 2 BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016 Travel schedule Southbound: Distances and times in the last