Discover why Catalonia is a paradise for birdwatchers

Catalonia is Iberia’s most biogeographically varied region, with 443 species of birds listed across the diverse landscape, which stretches from the Pyrenees to the Mediterranean Sea. Birdwatching is prolific – it is the only region in Europe to have recorded 200 species in one 24-hour period. Many birds reach the northernmost point of their breeding ranges in Catalonia, while winter is a season for influxes of birds seeking milder weather conditions. Catalonia also lies on one of Europe’s most important migration flyways, with spring and autumn heralding the arrival of many exceptional birds on passage.

The country is home to the world’s most important colony of Audouin’s Gulls, as well as excellent viewing of species such as Lammergeir, Bonelli’s Eagle, Wallcreeper and Citril Finch. Key areas for birdwatching include the Wetlands of the Ebro Delta, Aiguamolls de l’Empordà and Estany d’Ivars; the Mediterranean landscapes of Els Ports, Cap de Creus and Monsterrat; the Pyrenees and pre-Pyrenees habitats of Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici, Cadi-Moixero, Mont-rebei i La Terreta and Vall de Núria; and the urban area of the Llobregat Delta surrounding Barcelona.

Every year by the end of September, Terres de L’Ebre host the annual Delta Birding Festival, making this month an ideal time for birding enthusiasts to travel to Catalonia. One of the most significant natural areas in the whole of the Mediterranean, the Ebro Delta is a fascinating wetland of 320 square kilometres. The diverse topography provides habitats for 95 species of breeding birds, including Greater Flamingos, Red crested Pochard, Black-winged Stilt, Lesser Crested Tern and Caspian. The Delta Birding Festival hosts a wide and attractive programme of activities, as well as lectures, courses, workshops and contests along with a large fair of products and services. Visit www.deltabirdingfestival.com for further details.