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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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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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
Farewell and Welcome dinner
318 3h01
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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
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 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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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
Numbers refer to the places where we lodge. L-numbers for lunch locations. (Picture from Google Earth)
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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.
Lodging: Hotel Canal in Aigues Mortes
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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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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.
Lodging: B&B Nuestra Posada near Cretas
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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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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.
Lodging: B&B Nuestra Posada near Cretas
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.
Lodging: B&B Nuestra Posada near Cretas
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.
Lodging: B&B Nuestra Posada near Cretas
Arens de Lledo
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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.
Lodging: Hotel El Moli, St Pere Pescador.
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.
Lodging: Hotel El Moli, St Pere Pescador.
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.
Lodging: Hotel Canal in Aigues Mortes
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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.
Lodging: Hotel Canal in Aigues Mortes
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
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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.
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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.
Name Location Type Information
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.
Name Location Type Information
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.
Name Location Type Information
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.
Name Location Type Information
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.
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
Name Location Type Information
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.
Name Location Type Information
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.
Name Location Type Information
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.
Name Location Type Information
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.
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
On the extension we will visit:
Name Location Type Information
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.
Name Location Type Information
Sotonera Dam. Book: Crossbill guide Spanish Pyrenees
http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sitefactsheet.php?id=1786
A dam in an otherwise dry area. Of course this attracts many birds. Gulls, raptors, and larks. Hoopoe,
Roller.
Name Location Type Information
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.
Name Location Type Information
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.
Name Location Type Information
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.
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
Name Location Type Information
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.
Name Location Type Information
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.
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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
BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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.
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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.
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BIRDING TREKS SPAIN and FRANCE 2016
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
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