- Dates: From May 3rd to June 6th, 2024
- Tour participants: 6
- Number of species seen: 312
- Tour leader: Carles Oliver (Barcelona to Lisbon) & Sergi Sales (Sofia to Cyprus)
All images by Carles Oliver. All rights reserved.
Overview: Our very first Southern Europe Odyssey has been a very funny and brave adventure. Visiting 5 European countries and 9 islands (3 in the Mediterranean; 6 in the Atlantic Ocean), we have enjoyed a very long list of European and Macaronesian endemics and specialities. The tour has been divided in different sections so our guests could join the part they were most interested about. Very looking forward to go on again with this crazy adventure!
Day 1. From Barcelona to Picos de Europa. Our Odyssey through South Europe, an ambitious program visiting 5 countries and 9 islands started in a very epic way; a 3:00am pick up to try to catch up with some nocturnal birds. Very close from the Barcelona airport we had a first stop. It is a small area of farming with some lines of trees, some of them with several holes. Here we started looking for European Scops Owl. It was clearly colder than expected. During the previous weeks we had low temperatures clearly below average in Catalonia, with strong snow falls up in the Pyrenees. That morning, the temperatura drop to only 7ºC!
Along the next half an hour we tried to have any view on the Scops Owls living in the area, but little success. We heard them as we heard Little Owl and Western Barn Owl but we no success to see any of them. But the situation turned on when a close a Scops Owl suddenly came to us from the inside the canopies and landed only by the path, 150 centimetres high! We all had excellent views on the bird and a couple of shots before the bird came back deep inside the vegetation. Still excited about such good looks, we heard a second bird calling down the path,, very low in the trees and only a few meters away from us. A few second after that we got the bird singing in the torch, allowing not only really good views but also a number of shots! Very happy for this success we drove up the valley to try a second bird. By the time we arrived the raising was in the sky, and the first Nightingales were singing. It was still cold and a bit early in the season so I was not very sure that the whole thing could work. But it did, and at the second attempt a very nice Red-necked Nightjar emerged from the shadows and flew directly above the group to show the large white markings in the tail and a wings, and the lovely orangish coloration in the underwing coverts. The bird was singing, probably right arrived from Africa and busy to mark its territory!
Very happy with this excellent sight, we drove West, living behind Barcelona, that was only about to wake up in another busy day. It was about 6:30 when we stop in a quiet service station to have some breakfast. A selection of coffees, orange juices and potato omelette was served and we had some time for relax after the early start. Here the group had also the chance to meet Sergi Sales, the leader for the Eastern part of the Odyssey as he was on his way to lead a day trip out of Barcelona with a birder from Japan.
From here we kept going West for about 30 miles, and our first birding stop with daylight was devoted to a lovely patch of traditional farming. Here, the Catalan Government is taking efforts to manage the habitat and preserve some spots for the very endangered Little Bustard. At the first stop of the van, we got excellent scope views on a displaying Little Bustard, and during the next 90 minutes we had 6 different males chasing each other or simply singing from their lekking positions. A Montagu’s Harrier female was also one of the first birds for us, but even before that we got a distant male Red-footed Falcon sitting down on some dead branches. Certainly a very good start for the trip! Several Calandra Larks and Corn Buntings were seen, as White Storks, Stock Dove and Western Jackdaws were. We kept moving through this great habitat, adding good looks on specialities like Stone Curlew and Iberian Grey Shrikes but also migratory birds including Northern Wheatear and the always very nice looking Whinchats. Common Kestrels, Marsh Harriers, Red Kites and Black Kites were all seen, and we also had time for a short visit to a nesting colony of Lesser Kestrels, where we had some nice scope views on the birds. But probably one of the best birds on this location was the nice pair of Great Spotted Cuckoos chasing each other quite high in the sky! A quite unexpected view. Here, we also got the first Short-toed Eagle for the trip.
We could stay there longer, but we were committed with some extra specialties along our long way to Picos de Europa. Our next movement was to visit another area inside the Catalan dry lands. Here we got nice views on both Black Wheatears & Black-eared Wheatears plus Spotless Starling, Thekla Lark and some lovely views on European Turtle Doves. The area was also rich on Finches and Greenfinch, Serin and European Goldfinch were all seen before we stoped by a puddle. Here another singing Common Nightingale was waiting for us, and we got nice views on the first Sardinian Warblers of the trip along with migratory Pied & Spotted Flycatchers. Again, European Turtle Doves were present in the area, joined this time by European Bee-eaters and Griffons flying over our heads. In the water, only a Eurasian Moorhen was seen.
From here we had some solid drive West, with some comfort stops in the way. Our next birding stop didn’t come until mid afternoon, in the border between The Basque Country and Castille. Here we spent some time in a riverside forest. It was slightly windy and the bird activity was light. Some Greenfinches were feeding in the area along with Eurasian Blackcap. But a short walk around the area fastly put us in contact with our main target here. One Iberian Chiffchaff was singing low in the riparian vegetation and a few moments later we were all enjoying wonderful views on the bird! During about 5 minutes, the bird was singing around us and flickering the winds, showing way better we were expecting. Along the next 20 minutes we saw at least 4 Iberian Chiffchaffs and also got really good looks on Cetti’s Warbler, Eurasian Wren, Eurasian Goldfinches, Great Tits and a family of Short-toed Treecreepers moving in the thick trunks along the Ebro River. Along the banks of the river, a Common Sandpiper completed the list for the place.
From here, we still had to cover one hour of drive to our final destination at the heart of Picos de Europa.
Day 2. From Picos de Europa to Belchite. After enjoying a great breakfast we drove into the mountains. It looked like a quiet morning, and the towering landscape allowed us to connect with some Griffon Vultures in our way to Fuente Dé cable car. We arrived earlier than expected, and we gather at the access queue. A powerful brise started to blow, and our concerns about the cable car being open that morning started to arise. In the queue we picked up Coal Tit, Goldcrest, Eurasian Nuthatches, Common Chaffinch (the first Chaffinch species of the many to come in this Odyssey) and Black Redstart, all of them new for the trip. The minutes went out, the queue grew at the same rhythm that our concerns did, and our worst thought came truth when the staff attending the cable car confirmed that the cable car was not to be open that day. A last minute change in the weather broadcast made the conditions unsuitable for the cable car to run in a safe way. Devastated by the news, we had a couple of strolls around, hoping to connect with some good birds. It was certainly still a slim chance for cable car to open, so we decided to invest a couple of hours wandering around. Along this time we got nice views on Firecrest, Song Thrush, European Crested Tit, Dunnock, Eurasian Treecreeper, Blue & Great Tits, Linnets, European Stonechats and lovely views in some Rock Buntings. Both Alpine & Red-billed Choughs were seen, even if the first were far up in the sky. A low Egyptian Vulture was one of the final sightings. At the end, the day turned into a grey, windy one. Back to the van, we started driving back Est, expecting to arrive to our next accommodation at the Ebro Valley about sunset.
In the way, several White Storks we had a number of birding stops. Along the rivers, we got ruff views on a speedy Common Kingfisher, but also on the first Long-tailed Tits and Grey Wagtails of the trip. Several Griffons were seen here as well. Back to the road, we crossed a large area of altitudinal plateaus covered with low scrublands. A wonderful habitat for a number of species, and a couple of stops in our way allowed us to connect with a Woodlark singing from a wire, but also with a massive flock of Common Rock Sparrows A bit beyond, another stops was mandatory to enjoy a Golden Eagle passing really close of the van. The bird, a full adult, was circling above the road. Once with the foot on the ground, we found close Cirl Bunting, Western Yellow Wagtail in the fields around and Sonja got a nice Common Cuckoo landing into a large tree right in front of us! The rest of transfer was a bit more quiet, and only a couple of Short-toed Eagles and a hunting Montagu’s Harriers deserve our attention.
But before going to the accommodation we still had a very short stop around the village, and we were lucky enough to find a lovely Little Owl sitting on the top a pile of rocks. The Owl offered really good looks and some photo opportunities despite the poor light, and this final stop was complemented with the very last bird of the day, a nice European Nightjar that was flying around!
Day 3. Ebro Valley to Ebro Delta. Just arrived to the habitat, we heard a singing Dupont’s Lark not far away from us. Mediterranean Short-toed Larks were very active, but our attention was concentrated in Dupont’s, a scarce and often difficult to see bird. After a fast scanning, I found the bird singing from a tiny tussock, and I tried to put directions so everybody could enjoy. Unfortunately the bird came down to the ground and started running, and most of the tour participants only got partial views on the bird moving around. The Dupont’s vanished in the vegetation and we decided to wait and see if it was reappearing, but after 10 minutes 3 Pint-tailed Sandgrouses crossed the road, flying into a nearby pond. We immediately took our change and approach the pond, trying to get better views on the birds. We could not find them, but then 2 Black-bellied Sandgrouses flew over, provided good looks.
Dupont’s Larks were still singing around, but we were still unable to find anything beyond 2 Thekla’s Larks having a bad argument in the steppes. And then Keith appeared and said the magic words: “I found a roosting Nightjar”. We inmediatly moved to into the bushes. He flushed the bird, that got deep inside the bushland. We had to move carefully to don’t disturbed again. Only a few minutes later we got the bird again, an European Nightjar, roosting really deep inside a bush. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, all clients got to see the bird! But just at the moment to take some shots, the bird flew out, stopping not far. We tried a second a approach, and this time we got nice flight views before it got really deep inside a large bush!
Just back to the van, we decided to try a different strategy to get Dupont’s Lark. We drove through some good habitat, and only 2 minutes later Keith spoiled us again by finding a wonderful Dupont’s Lark walking just beside the vehicle. The bird was only 10 meters away, and all tour participants had good views on the bird as it was moving and feeding among to tussocks of vegetation.
A last stop before leaving this hotspot produced good views in the only Western Orphean Warbler of the trip. Here we also enjoyed European Turtle Dove, migratory Willow Warbler, Woodchat Shrike and fly over Booted Eagle.
It was a sunny day, and in our transfer to Ebro Delta we had a nice lunch stop in one of the many gorges in the area. Here we got lucky again and the whole group enjoyed great views on Western Bonelli’s Warblers but also Peregrine Falcon, Red-rumped Swallows and distant but showy Blue Rock Thrush.
We arrived to Ebro Delta, following the channels and paddyfields covered by hundreds of Glossy Ibises, Whiskered Terns and Herons the many species including Squacco Herons and Purple Herons. A first stop was done in a typical spot for migratory passerines and we got excellent views not only in Willow Warblers but also in 4 Pied Flycatchers, Garden Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, 1 Melodious Warbler (the only Melodious for the Odyssey), 7+ Eurasian Golden Orioles, Woodchat Shrike, Common Chiffchaff, 3 Common Whitethroats and 1 Common Redstarts. Happy with such array of birds we move to a second spot. Always surrounded by Stilts and Marsh Harriers in our way, we did arrive to a El Violí area, a nice marsh surrounded by lagoons. A relaxed walk around provided a massive list including goodies such as Pied Avocet, 4 Red-crested Pochards, Western Swamphens, Purple Herons, 4 Collared Pratincoles, Penduline Tit, Eurasian Spoonbills, Spotted Redshanks, Great Reed Warblers, good views on 3+ Little Bitterns and migratory Whinchats.
And with the evening shading we just drove the short distance to our accommodation.
Day 4. Ebro Delta – Mallorca. After enjoying a nice breakfast we move to our first stop. It was another sunny day and we went to check the largest lagoon in Ebro Delta. Here, along with the several Common & Whiskered Terns, Swamphens and Audouin’s Gulls we also got really nice views on Caspian Terns and, more importantly, some summer plomaged Mediterranean Gulls that were displaying in an island. This was an important target for some of our guests, and it was really celebrated, especially when some Med Gull decided to come right above us, providing wonderful views to everyone in the group. The stop also provided good scope views on Savi’s Warbler, a scarce nesting bird at Ebro Delta and, more surprisingly, we also got good scope views on 2 Common Reed Buntings. The Reed Buntings nesting here belong to the extremely endangered witherbyi race that has only a few tens of nesting pairs left in Catalonia! Very happy for this very good array of birds, we move North for a last stop in this amazing wetland before heading back to Barcelona.
The last stop was as good as the first one and here, in a swallow water inner bay we got very nice views on 20+ summer plumaged Red Knots joined by 4 drake Curlew Sandpipers! Along with them, Bar-tailed Godwits in summer colours, Eurasian Curlew, Kentish Plover, Eurasian Oystercatcher (the only one for the Odyssey!) and 1 Osprey.
We drove back to Barcelona to take the plane connecting us with Mallorca, but it was still time for a final before leaving Catalonia.. Very close to the airport, we visited a place for the endemic Iberian Green Woodpecker. It didn’t even take us a minute to connect with the bird! Amazingly, one of this woodpeckers just flew parallel to the van for some meters, stopping close to the van and allowing us time to get out of the minivan and connect with it in a very pleasant way. In addition, we also got 2 Hooded Crows, a substantial part of the tiny population recently established around the Catalan capital city. It was too easy! So, we still had time. I asked the people if was fancy to try for Dartford Warbler nearby. No was not an option, and everybody agreed. Ten minutes later we were on place and, guess what, a pair of Dartfords just flew around us to provide some views.. Everybody was happy so now, yes, was time to take a plane and deep into the Mediterranean!
Arrived to Mallorca in the early afternoon, we collected our minibus and drove directly East expecting some goo evening light. That evening, the island was covered with a sheet of light clouds, creating the perfect conditions for some sea watching. We wouldn’t be disappointed and within the next 45 minutes we enjoyed of tens and tens of Scopoli’s Shearwaters passing by our cape, some of them at close range. Along with them, small clocks of Balearic Shearwaters were also in the move to their nesting grounds at Cabrera island. In addition, here we also got the only Northern Gannet of the whole Odyssey and, more importantly 2 Shags, another target species for some of our guests!
Day 5. Mallorca. Before breakfast we had a short walk exploring the cliffs South from our accommodation. No migrants were found, but we got nice views on a singing Blue Rock Thrush, 2 Pallid Swifts, several Mediterranean Flycatchers and a nice family of Hoopoes. Out in the sea we had distant views on both Scopoli’s & Balearic Shearwaters + a couple of (Mediterranean) Shags. After we enjoyed our delicious breakfast, we went off to meet Jason, our local guide during our full day in the island. Jason is British but his roots in Mallorca are already deep, and this includes his great skills when speaking Catalan in the delicious Mallorcan variation!
It was a very sunny morning and our first movement was to go on with a short walk through some coastal scrubland. Here, it didn’t take long before we contacted with 2 nice Balearic Warblers, and the group enjoyed nice views on this endemic while was moving in an out a bush. Sometimes it came to the top of the bush to sing, but we often had to fight to have proper views on it.
Crossing the island, we headed to Serra de Tramuntana and in the way we caught a migratory Montagu’s Harrier flying very low over the fields. Here, the impressive rocky slopes are home to a good number of specialities. The first to appear were 2 Cinereous Vultures along with 5 Griffon Vultures. Back on the ground, we got nice views on a Tawny Pipit and several Mediterranean Flycatchers. We still had to walk a bit more to see the first Moltoni’s Warbler of the trip, but at the end it provided great views along with 2 other individuals. Back to the van, we still had 3 Common Crossbills passing over us. It was already midday when we left the hills, going this time to the Northern part of the island to explore its main wetland. By the time we arrived to S’Albufera the weather was already cloudy and allowed us to walk inside in a fresh ambient that is uncommon for the season. Some Gull-billed Terns welcomed us to the marshes, and as we walked inside we had time to enjoy the wonderful mixed colony of Squacco Herons, Glossy Ibises, Little Egrets and Night Herons with many birds showing out their best colours! From the hides, we got really good views on Red-knobbed Coots but also 3 Marbled Teals and the firsts Little Ringed Plover and Common Snipe of the tour. Once out, we got excellent views on a family of Red-knobbed Coots feeding their chicks in the path itself only a few yards from us!
To end the day, we had a stop in some farming area. Here we got really good views on Thekla’s Larks but also (Balearic) Woodchat Shrikes and Red-legged Partridges before going back to our accommodation for a well deserved rest.
Day 6. Mallorca – Tenerife. After enjoying a very nice breakfast, we drove back to Palma, but with a stopover at Salobrar de Campos. Again, we got really few migrants, but excellent views on Kentish Plovers, Black-winged Stilts, Pied Avocets, Greater Flamingoes and a couple of obliging Western Yellow Wagtails.
We landed in Tenerife in the early afternoon and 10′ behind schedule, but we collected the van very quick. At Tenerife Airport, a new Odysseer joined the expedition, and we all left the airport with more energy than ever, heading to the pine woods mid way up to the Teide volcano, the tallest mountain in the Canary Islands.
We had time for a good afternoon stop so we drove up into the slopes of the magnificent Teide (a large volcano that is the highest mountain in the Canary Island). In the way up, we had a pair of Berthelot’s Pipits that showed superbly for the group. But the main stop was in a mature Canary Island Pine forest, where we immediately connected with a nice flock of Atlantic Canaries. Along with them, we got African Blue Tits, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and Common Ravens. It didn’t take long before we got the first Blue Chaffinch, quietly singing while perched in the out for us! We had been tracking their contact calls for some minutes, but was Bud who finally spotted the bird! During the coming 40 minutes we enjoyed several views on Blue Chaffinches, both males and females while feeding on the ground, chasing each other or having more than words with one of the Great Spotted Woodpeckers around.
Totally satisfied after this first stop in the Canary Islands, we just drove to our accommodation to enjoy an extraordinary dinner!
Day 7. Tenerife. Early morning breakfast for the group before transfering North of the island to look for the many specialties living in the laurel forest. It is a fresh day and as we park we soon enjoy views on Atlantic Canaries feeding around and the distinctive Canary Island Chiffchaffs being very active. ACommon Buzzard soars the sky, and we are surprised by the good activity of Bolle’s Pigeon feeding in the canopies, flying around and flocking in the trees that holds their food. We spent some time enjoying them, but our attention is required in the sky as the very first Common Kestrel in the Canary Islands appears also in the sky. As in many species here, this is a specific race, and in this case it is smaller and duller, with a distinctive tawny tint in the underneath. The Kestrel was still in the sky when a Laurel Pigeon arrives to one of the most popular trees, landing in the middle of the Bolle’s Pigeon, but out of view. As we concentrate our efforts in locating this bird, a secondLaurel Pigeon flies into some large Pines, but only Keith manages short views on the bird while it is perched in the outer branches.
We still spent some time in the parking before starting our walk, but we never had any other Laurel showing here. The path we are following goes up the hill and gets inside a very interesting, almost pristine, laurel forest. In our way up, some European Robin (race superbus, considered as a full species in some lists) show up, producing really good looks. A bit beyond we also find the recently split Canary Island Chaffinch while a small flock of Plain Swift is flying around us and a pair of Eurasian Sparrowhawk is soaring the sky. We spent most of the morning in the area, but we could not get any further view on Laurel Pigeons. Instead, some lovely Tenerife Goldcrest (race teneriffae, another serious potential split) provided the group with excellent views!
Back to the van, we drove a short distance to enjoy a typical Canarian meal. We were all happy after the many sightings on Bolle’s Pigeon (35+ birds!) and all the other endemics. We were about to leave Tenerife but we wanted better views on Laurel Pigeon so in the way back a fast stop was done and from here got excellent views on at least 18 Laurel Pigeons! They were very active, flying along the slopes. Two or three times we got scope views on perched Laurel Pigeon and all 4 scopes concentrated on them! By 14:30 we were back to the airport. We had “cleared” the island in less than one day!!
We took a commuter flight to Fuerteventura. But, by the time we arrived there it was already a bit late in the afternoon. Still, a last stop was made by a pond where we had the first Ruddy Shelducks and Laughing Doves of the trip plus good looks on 2 very attractive summer plomaged Dunlins, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 1 Yellow Wagtail, and some Egyptian Vultures, very active despite the strong wind.
Day 8. Fuerteventura. It had been a windy night, and when we gathered at the lobby of our accommodation for a pre-breakfast exploration of the desert around, I have to confess that I was a bit worry about the possibilities of get the birds during the day. We drove the short distance to a good location for some desert birds. As we drove in, the first lights of the day revealed some Yellow-legged Gulls in the move. Surprisingly it didn’t take long before we found a wonderful male Houbara Bustard standing up at a short distance from the minibus. we all got great views and we could track a bit the large bird as it was moving in the desert. At some point we lost track, and kept driving a bit beyond only to find a female Houbara Bustard. We stop and decided to walk out of the vehicle so everybody could have a good chance for views and photos.
As we were enjoying the female, we suddenly got the male coming from the opposite side of the track and, for our surprise, started displaying only 100 meters away from us. The display on this species is admirable, as they become a wonderful white ball, starting running up while is converted in a snow ball. We saw the bird displaying for long, and even crossed the small road in the search of the female that was running the opposite slope.
Once we enjoyed very much this splendid moment, we decided to come back to the accommodation and enjoy a well deserved breakfast.
After breakfast we left our accommodation and drove West in the search of proper habitat for the other main target in the island. Even before arrived to the place we had to slow down. A very nice Egyptian Vulture was feeding on the ground along with Common Ravens. A bit beyond, we started scanning the endless rocky desert that host many of the good birds living in the island. Soon, we got 3 Black-bellied Sandgrouses flying into the plain and stopping in the rocky plain. It took us a couple of minutes to figure out where they landed, and a gentle approach allowed us to have very close views on all 3 birds; 2 males and 1 young. A marvellous morning light was on the birds, and the photographers in the group enjoyed this very much. We parked a bit beyond and had a stroll along a wide valley. A small reservoir of water that serves for irrigate some areas around is the best wetland in the island. We got some Black-winged Stilts and 3 Little Ringed Plovers but, unfortunately, nothing else. Small flocks of Sandgrouses were mobile in the area, probably attending the water pond in a place out of view. We got amazing flight views, with several flocks calling as they were crossing the valley at full speed. We counted a minimum of 18 individuals.
A few moments later we got the a nice pair of Fuerteventura Chats moving in the dry river bed. They were a bit far away so we decided to walk down the slope and a few minutes later we were enjoying really nice looks in both, male and female. The male appear to be a bit dirty due to the muddy river bed. Several flocks of Sandgrouses flew over us and 2 Cream-coloured Courser joined them at some point! A further walk through the habitat allowed us to have ruff views on Trumpeter Finches but close views on both 2 Stone Curlews, the Canary Islands race of Great Grey Shrike and Spanish Sparrows. Very distantly, a Barbary Falcon showed out briefly chasing a small bird.
We went back to our accommodation for some lunch. Outside, the wind started to blow in a very serious way and our perspectives for an afternoon birding almost vanishes. Still, we decided to go out and try to catch up with something else. This time we went to the famous Tendaya plains, and we were delighted with our choice from the very beginning. Not even arrived to the habitat we had to spot to admire a flock of extremely close Black-bellied Sandgrouses feeding inside a enclosure for goats. They were feeding along with Collared Doves, a bit grotesque if you want, but equally enjoyable! Only a few yards beyond we made a stop to explore some nice bushland. The Great Grey Shrikes kept down in the habitat, away from the strong wind, but our walk was rewarded with solid views on 3 Spectacled Warblers, 1 migratory Spotted Flycatcher and 4 Barbary Partridges moving a bit far away from us. The area was full of Trumpeter Finches and we all enjoyed great views on these little gems. The surprise of the afternoon was a nice female Eurasian Golden Oriole but the wind started to get really serious. It was probably time to move back. In the extra time, we still had a gorgeous female Houbara Bustard walking along the mini vas, and providing great looks in the wonderful afternoon light.
Day 9. Fuerteventura – Gran Canaria. We woke up in Fuerteventura in another windy morning. In our way to the airport, we did a couple of stops to try to have some migratory birds, but we really few luck. In our stops we only got 1 European Bee-eater, 2 Dunlins in full summer plumage and 3 Western Yellow Wagtails along with Eurasian Hoopoes, Linnets and some Berthelot’s Pipits.
Once in Gran Canaria, we drove up in the hills with the hope of contacting with the extremely scarce Gran Canaria Blue Chaffinch. With an estimated population of about 50 males left, this is the most endangered songbird in the Macaronesia!
Our way up provided us the best views on Plain Swifts so far in the trip as they were feeding along the lane, showing us their flight capabilities and taking advantage of the strong wind to fly really low over the tarmac. A couple of Canary Island Chaffinch also crossed the road and a Common Kestrel (dacotiae race) was also seen hunting. We arrived to the mature pine forests that serve as a habitat for this extremely endangered species. Right arrived, we had a bird singing a number of times up in the canopy. It was midday, and we were surprised to listen the bird singing. Unfortunately we couldn’t locate the bird, and we hang around some time, convinced that the finch could not be really far away. During this time, we got nice views on the Gran Canaria Chaffinch, and enjoy very much with a pair of Great Spotted Woodpeckers that were attending a nest nearby. Some Atlantic Canaries were also active, feeding in the area so our Chaffinch could not be far away!
We dispersed a bit, and finally was James who found the feeding along with some Canaries. The bird flew off, landing next to Dorothy, who pointed out the bird and anyone in the group could enjoy close views on this extremely scarce bird! Mission accomplished, and in less than 1 hour, so we still had time to go down to the coast and try to contact with the long staying Sudan Golden Sparrows in a urban parc in the capital city of the island. Here we got Ring-necked Parakeets, the long-staying (and ship assisted) Pied Crow, Eurasian Blackcaps and intimate views on Canary Islands Chiffchaffs and Atlantic Canaries. But, unfortunately, we never saw the Sparrows.
From here, we still have a drive to our accommodation, where we had a wonderful dinner in a local restaurant. Well, the clients had a wonderful dinner and the tour leader got his tiramisu stolen by some guests!!!!!!! How is this even possible!?!?
Day 10. Gran Canaria – Madeira. This was basically a transfer day. With the few time available we tried again the Sudan Golden Sparrows but, as a local birdwatcher told us, they seemed to be vanished from their normal spots.
In the evening we landed in Madeira and we directly went to our accommodation for some rest.
Day 11. Madeira. Relaxed morning to explore the outskirts of our accommodation and work some of the logistics for the offshores to come. Common Sandpiper, Common Waxbills, Grey Wagtail and Lesser Black-backed Gull was the most interesting birds before we step on the boat.
Once on the ocean, We headed South and soon after we were enjoying the first Cory’s Shearwaters of the trip. The ocean was a bit rough and we had to break through several 3 metres high waves to arrive to the proper birding places. But we were not alone, since several Bulwer’s Petrels were flying around. We counted at least 10 of this very smart sea birds. Along with the common Cory’s Shearwaters we also had a small number of Manx’s since here is one of the Southernmost places where do they nest!
But everything started to pack together when we had our first Pterodroma in the air. At the beginning the bird was a bit far away but we didn’t have to wait long before the bird came closer, confirming what most suspected, we were admiring a Zino’s Petrel, one of the most scarce see birds in this part of the world!!
Nesting high in the central part of the island, Zino’s Petrel main known colony is about 200 pairs! We all got solid views in this majestic bird, and we were surprised to see a 2nd Zino’s Petrel flying a bit more far away off our ship!
In the way to back, we had a good surprise, since a Barolo Shearwater took off along with some Manx Shearwaters. Unfortunately, not everyone in the group could enjoy thi tiny Shearwater.. When arriving to the harbour, a distant Whimbrel was also a nice adding to our trip list.
Day 12. Madeira. After a nice breakfast, we went to spend the morning looking for the endemics living in the island. A first exploration close to the accommodation produced nice views on the both Madeiran Chaffinch and Madeiran Firecrest plus several Eurasian Blackcaps and a few Common Buzzards and Goldfinches. From here we moved to Funchal, where a nice short walk inside a local garden produced very nice views on the also endemic Trocaz Pigeon. Back to the accommodation, we had a free afternoon before going with our nocturnal walk up to visit the Zino’s Petrel colony.
Walking in the night in the highest mountains in Madeira is always as impressive as the first time. The scenery is abrupt, broken and has the sense of mystery and discovery that everyone is searching when travelling around the world. That night was rather cold, and the squeals of the Petrels arrived to us as distant ecos in the mist.
Day 13. Madeira. After a late breakfast, we went to the Eastern tip of Madeira, a good place to have a couple of complementary species in the island. As we parked the car, we noticed Spectacled Warblers in the low scrublands. For our surprise, James and Sonja found a nest with a female inside, probably protecting the young birds from the strong and rather cold wind blowing that morning. Both male and female were doing several visits to the nest, feeding the youngs, and both alternate on lying on the young birds.
Our walk around produced a bunch of Atlantic Canaries and good views on Berthelot’s Pipits. Spectacled Warblers were well active all around the slope. We were in search of the small population of Common Rock Sparrows living here, and we were surprised to find a female-type Trumpeter Finch instead! It was at the top of a fence, and it looked like be moving along with the several Atlantic Canaries around! This is a big rarity in Madeira, with only a handful of previous records!
Really happy to have this really good bird in our visit to Madeira, we moved a bit away to scan a slope where we previously heard the Common Rock Sparrows calling. We scanned a bit with poor results, and we were about to leave when Barbara just came to us with a great image of a Common Rock Sparrow sitting on a rock. We parked again the minibus, walked down the slope and soon we were having a nice pair of Rock Sparrows that looked like collecting food for a close nest! This last stop was nicely complemented by a Red-legged Partridge peacefully sitting on a small bare area. Even if not natural to the island, this is always a handsome bird to have.
Happy after this nice morning, we just came back to the accommodation for a nice lunch a good rest before our 2nd offshore.
This time we headed North-East, and the offshore was dominated by good numbers of Bulwer’s Petrels moving around the boat. We also had at least 3 European Storm Petrels feeding along, and we could compare this small species with 2 Wilson’s Stormies that also came along, offering very and several views. To end the afternoon we had rather distant but solid views on 1 Madeiran Storm Petrel that, unfortunately, never came close enough but that we enjoyed very much! In the way back, we had nice flocks of both Manx & Cory’s Shearwaters resting on the sea, providing some very close views..
Day 14. Morning off. Last offshore. After having a free morning to enjoy the wonderful Madeiran wines, we assembled again in the afternoon, ready for our last offshore in this island. In our way to the harbour we were joined by a small flock of Ruddy Turnstones; 6 of them were feeding at the end of a small stream.
It was clearly less windy than the previous days, and the offshore was again dominated by the good numbers of Cory’s Shearwaters and Bulwer’s Petrels. Soon, we were again enjoying both Wilson’s & European Storm Petrels, but all the eyes turned away from them when a wonderful Desertas Petrel appeared in the sky. Darker and structurally heavier (especially when it comes to the bill) than Zino’s, we all enjoyed several views on this really unknown taxon while riding the waves!
Day 15. Madeira. This day we were supposed to fly to Sao Miguel, but our flight was cancelled. We got the news early in the morning, and some of the tour participants took a guided walk around Funchal, while the rest stayed at the accommodation to enjoy some rest.
After a morning of telephone calls to make sure that our accommodation and minibus were still waiting for us at Ponta Delgada the they after, some of us reassembled again for an afternoon walk. Along the stream next to our accommodation we got a drake Glossy Ibis along with the common Muscovy Ducks. Eurasian Moorhen was also an island tick, and along with these species we got the normal selection of Atlantic Canaries, Common Waxbills, Eurasian Blackcaps and Eurasian Blackbirds. A Grey Wagtail was showing nicely in the stream, and at the far end of it we still got 4 Ruddy Turnstones feeding among the rocks. From here we got a taxi to explore the Westernmost point of the island. A walk around produced again nice views on Rock Sparrows, Berthelot’s Pipits and Spectacled Warblers. Here, 3 Barn Swallows were a new surprise. Our walk around also produced really a pair of Roseate Terns holding a territory in the Northern coast of the island. They were quite far away, but we spent 40 minutes enjoying scope views to make sure that everybody catched the absence of a black rear edge in the wings.
After this we just went back to the accommodation to get ready for a nice evening meal.
Day 16. Madeira – Sao Miguel. After our flight was delayed for one day, we finally got out of Madeira, landing in Ponta Delgada during the early afternoon. Before living Madeira we saw again the drake Glossy Ibis in the creek by the hotel, and Dorothée and Sonja had a Western House Martin flying around the airport.
Once in Sao Miguel, we directly moved to one of the strongholds for the endemic and very endangered Azores Bullfinich. In the way we got a good selection of the common birds in this island including several European Robins, Common Buzzards, Grey Wagtails, Common Starlings and Atlantic Canaries (very common here). We also got a few Common Woodpigeons, Eurasian Goldfinches and ruff views on the endemic Azores Chaffinch.
Once at the place we started looking for these small Bullfinches. For about one hour we quietly scanned the vegetation looking for movement, but we only got Goldcrests and Blackcaps singing around us. At some point we started to disperse when suddenly Keith yelled from down the path. We all ran down to find him pointing up in the hillside, where two superb Azores Bullfinches were feeding in a small tree. This was a lifer bird for all, including me, and it was really celebrated considering the few time we got to try to find it!
The birds went away after some minutes of sighting, and we walked down to the van. But we were around the van William saw something flying down inside a small creek. We went to see what it was, and James found the two Bullfinches feeding only a couple of metres away from the group, really low in the vegetation! This was a wonderful view, way better that what we were expecting to have in such a short period of time.
From here we went down to our accommodation, with one stop to have better views on the Azores Chaffinches. There, we got also really got looks on 1 Azores Noctule, the only endemic mammal of the islands, flying in full daylight! Around our accommodation, a shortstop was added to scan a small island. Beyond the small colony of Common Terns, we got to see 9 Cory’s Shearwaters flying really close to the coast in really good light.
Day 17. Sao Miguel – Terceira. Before our connection flight with Terceira, we had time to explore a bit the promenade around Ponta Delgada, where we got 3 Whimbrels and 4 Ruddy Turnstones along with the typical views on some Cory’s Shearwaters moving not especially close to the coast. A second stop was made by the Lagoa Verde, to enjoy further views on Azores Chaffinches, Azorean Common Woodpigeon, Atlantic Canaries, Common Terns, Goldcrests and Little Egrets.
Once arrived to Terceira, we had an afternoon walk around the famous Paúl de Praia Victoria. Nothing of interest was seen beyond Common Waxbills and some pairs of Moorhens and Coots and an escaped Cockatail. At the evening, a further walk produced an interesting Great White Egret (a local rarity) roosting in the lagoon.
Day 18. Terceira. After breakfast we walked down to the harbour, where our boat was waiting for us. That morning we had a bit of rain, but nothing really serious.
Out in the sea, we soon had the first Cory’s Shearwaters but our eyes were looking for something smaller. It didn’t take long before we got the first 2 Barolo’s Shearwaters, and soon after another 3 or 4 birds moving along with Cory’s. The difference of size was just incredible. Other small flocks were seen, with great views and also great photo chances! Beyond the Shearwaters, we had to go further South before we got the main target of the offshore. It was a bit long waiting, with the Ocean being really plain, but suddenly a wonderful Monteiro’s Storm Petrel showed out for us, performing in a great way and allowing us to see its forked tail. What a stunner!
Very glad with this great species, we just went back to Terceira while enjoying more Barolo’s Shearwaters. At the end, no less than 14 Barolo’s were seen, not bad at all!
Day 19. Terceira – Lisbon. This was basically a travel day back to Lisbon, but our midday flight allowed us some local birding before leaving Açores. A short walk from our accommodation gave us access to a very nice farmland. Keith was here the they before, and he was already enjoying the Common Quails. That was our main target for the morning and after some search we finally found the first of them. And then a second and even a third bird, all of them singing from the top of the lovely stone walls that served to mark the limits of the properties. Along with them, waves of Atlantic Canaries, Blackbirds and Blackcaps to say goodbye to these wonderful islands!
Arrived to Lisbon, we just went down the corner of our accommodation, where a very nice local restaurant was waiting for the group. It was another pleasant dinner full of fun and good mod. A perfect way to end the first half of the Odyssey!
Day 20. Lisbon – Sofia. Early morning flight connecting Lisbon with Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. Our group of guests landed and they immediately met Sergi and their local guide, but all of that will be explained soon..
List of birds seen during the tour
- Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
- Ruddy Shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea)
- Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
- Greylag Goose (Anser anser)
- Marbled Teal (Mamaronetta angustirostris)
- Gadwall (Marecca strepera)
- Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos)
- Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
- Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata)
- Garganey (Spatula querquedula)
- Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
- Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca)
- White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala)
- Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)
- Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa)
- Barbary Partridge (Alectoris barbara)
- European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
- Red-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruficollis)
- Common Pheasant (Phaisanus colchinus)
- Little Bustard (Tetrax tetrax)
- Houbara Bustard (Chlamydotis undulata)
- Common Swift (Apus apus)
- Plain Swift (Apus unicolor)
- Pallid Swift (Apus pallidus)
- Alpine Swift (Tachymarpstis melba)
- Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
- Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator glandarius)
- Pin-tailed Sandgrouse (Pterocles alchata)
- Black-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis)
- Feral Pigeon (Columba livia)
- Stock Dove (Columba oenas)
- Common Wood Pigeon (Columba palumbus)
- Trocaz Pigeon (Columba trocaz)
- Bolle’s Pigeon (Columba bollii)
- Laurel Pigeon (Columba junoniae)
- European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
- Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
- Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis)
- Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus) —————————— heard only
- Eurasian Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
- Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata)
- Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra)
- Western Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio)
- Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
- Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
- Corncrake (Crex crex) —————————————- heard only
- Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
- Stone Curlew (Burhinus oedicnemus)
- Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus)
- Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
- Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
- Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
- Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
- Kentish Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus)
- Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
- Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
- Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)
- Temminck’s Stint (Calidris temminckii)
- Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
- Red Knot (Calidris canutus)
- Sanderling (Calidris alba)
- Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
- Little Stint (Calidris minuta)
- Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
- Ruff (Calidris pugnax)
- Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago)
- Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
- Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
- Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
- Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
- Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata)
- Common Redshank (Tringa totanus)
- Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
- Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
- Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
- Cream-coloured Courser (Cursorior cursor)
- Collared Pratincole (Pratincola glareola)
- Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
- Mediterranean Gull (Ichthyaetus melanocephalus)
- Audouin’s Gull (Ichthyaetus audouinii)
- Caspian Gull (Larus cachinnans)
- Yellow-legged Gull (Larus michahellis)
- Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus fuscus)
- Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia)
- Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
- Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)
- Little Tern (Sternula albifrons)
- Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
- Gull-billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica)
- Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)
- Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
- Black-throated Diver (Gavia arctica)
- Wilson’s Storm Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus)
- European Storm Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus)
- Madeiran (Band-rumped) Storm Petrel (Oceonodroma castro)
- Monteiro’s Storm Petrel (Oceonodroma monteiroi)
- Zino’s Petrel (Pterodroma madeira)
- Desertas Petrel (Pterodroma desertas)
- Scopoli’s Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)
- Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis)
- Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus)
- Barolo Shearwater (Puffinus baroli)
- Bulwer’s Petrel (Bulweria bulwerii)
- White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
- Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
- Atlantic Gannet (Morus bassanus)
- Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)
- Shag (Pahalacrocorax aristotelis)
- Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pigmaeus)
- Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
- Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
- Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
- Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
- Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
- Western Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
- Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
- Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
- White Egret (Ardea alba)
- Great White Pelican (Pelecanus ococratus)
- Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)
- Osprey (Pandion haliaetos)
- Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
- European Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
- Eurasian Griffon (Gyps fulvus)
- Cinereous Vulture (Aegypius monachus)
- Short-toed Snake Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
- Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina)
- Booted Eagle (Aquila pennata)
- Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
- Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca)
- Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes)
- Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus)
- Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus)
- Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus)
- Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
- Long-legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus)
- Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)
- White-tailed Eagle (Haliaetus albicilla)
- Western Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
- Little Owl (Athene noctua)
- Eurasian Scops Owl (Otus scops)
- Cyprus Scops Owl (Otus cyprius)
- Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
- European Roller (Coracias garrulus)
- European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
- Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
- Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)
- European Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis)
- Iberian Green Woodpecker (Picus sharpei)
- Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
- Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker (Picoides trydactylus)
- Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
- Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus)
- Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos medius)
- Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates minor)
- Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
- Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumani)
- Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus)
- Eleonora’s Falcon (Falco eleonorae)
- Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
- Barbary Falcon (Falco peregrinoides)
- Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)
- Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)
- Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
- Iberian Grey Shrike (Lanius meridionalis)
- Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor)
- Red-backed Shrike (Lanius senator)
- Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus)
- Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)
- Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
- Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica)
- Spotted Nutcracker (Nucifraga caryocatactes)
- Western Jackdaw (Coloeus monedula)
- Pied Crow (Corvus albus)
- Carrion Crown (Corvus corone)
- Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)
- Common Raven (Corvus corax)
- Rook (Corvus frugilegus)
- Red-billed Chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax)
- Alpine Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus)
- Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus)
- Willow Tit (Poecile montanus)
- Marsh Tit (Poecile palustris)
- Sombre Tit (Poecile lugubris)
- Coal Tit (Periparus ater)
- Eurasian Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus)
- African Blue Tit (Cyanistes teneriffae)
- Great Tit (Parus major)
- European Crested Tit (Lophophanes cristatus)
- Eurasian Penduline Tit (Remiz pendulinus)
- Crested Lark (Galerida cristata)
- Thekla Lark (Galerida theklae)
- Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis)
- Woodlark (Lullula arborea)
- Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra)
- Dupont’s Lark (Chersophilus duponti)
- Mediterranean Short-toed Lark (Alaudala rufescens)
- Greater Short-toed Lark (Calandrella brachydactyla)
- Red-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)
- Sand Martin (Riparia riparia)
- Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
- Western House Martin (Delichon urbicum)
- European Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis rufula)
- European Crag Martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris)
- Cetti’s Warbler (Cettia cetti)
- Iberian Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus ibericus)
- Common Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita)
- Canary Islands Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus canariensis)
- Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
- Western Bonelli’s Warbler (Phylloscopus bonelli)
- Eastern Bonelli’s Warbler (Phylloscopus orientalis)
- Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta)
- Icterine Warbler (Hippolais icterina)
- Eastern Olivaceous Warbler (Iduna pallida)
- Olive-tree Warbler (Iduna olivatorum)
- Eurasian Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)
- Great Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
- Savi’s Warbler (Locustella luscinioides)
- Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)
- Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)
- Common Whitethroat (Curruca communis)
- Lesser Whitethroat (Curruca curruca)
- Spectacled Warbler (Curruca conscipillata)
- Dartford Warbler (Curruca undata)
- Balearic Warbler (Curruca balearica)
- Sardinian Warbler (Curruca melanocephala)
- Rüppell’s Warbler (Curruca rueppelli)
- Cyprus Warbler (Curruca melanothorax)
- Moltoni’s Warbler (Curruca subalpina)
- Eastern Subalpine Warbler (Curruca albistriata)
- Western Orphen Warbler (Curruca hortensis)
- Eastern Orphean Warbler (Curruca crassirostris)
- Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)
- Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
- Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
- Spotless Starling (Sturnus unicolor)
- Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus)
- Common Firecrest (Regulus ignicapilla)
- Madeiran Firecrest (Regulus madeirensis)
- Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
- Teneriffe Goldcrest (Regulus teneriffae)
- Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes)
- Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaeus)
- Western Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer)
- Krüper’s Nuthatch (Sitta krueperi)
- Eurasian Treecreeper (Certhia familiaris)
- Short-toed Treecreeper (Certhia brachydactyla)
- Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris)
- Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos)
- Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
- Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus)
- Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula)
- Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos)
- Thrush Nightingale (Luscinia luscinia)
- Rufous-tailed Bush Robin (Cercotrichas galactotes)
- Eurasian Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
- Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
- Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
- European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola)
- Fuerteventura Stonechat (Saxicola dacotiae)
- Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)
- Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
- Western Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe hispanica)
- Eastern Black-eared Wheatear (Oenanthe melanoleuca)
- Pied Wheatear (Oenanthe pleschanka)
- Cyprus Wheatear (Oenanthe cypriaca)
- Black Wheatear (Oenanthe leucura)
- Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina)
- Blue Rock Thrush (Monticola solitarius)
- Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
- Mediterranean Flycatcher (Muscicapa tyrrhenica)
- Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)
- Semicollared Flycatcher (Ficedula semitorquata)
- Rock Sparrow (Petronia petronia)
- House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
- Spanish Sparrow (Passer hispanoliensis)
- Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
- Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild)
- Dunnock (Prunella modularis)
- Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)
- Berthelot’s Pipit (Anthus berthelotii)
- White Wagtail (Motacilla alba)
- Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
- Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava)
- European Serin (Serinus serinus)
- Atlantic Canary (Serinus canaria)
- Eurasian Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis)
- Eurasian Greenfinch (Chloris chloris)
- Eurasian Siskin (Spinus spinus)
- Linnet (Carduelis cannabina)
- Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
- Azores Chaffinch (Fringilla moreletti)
- Madeira Chaffinch (Fringilla maderensis)
- Canary Island Chaffinch (Fringilla canariensis)
- Blue Chaffinch (Fringilla teydea)
- Gran Canaria Chaffinch (Fringilla polatzeki)
- Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)
- Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
- Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
- Azores Bullfinch (Pyrrhula murina)
- Trumpeter Finch (Bucanetes githagineus)
- Reed Bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus)
- Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)
- Creztchmatz Bunting (Emberiza caesia)
- Cirl Bunting (Emberiza cia)
- Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana)
- Cinereous Bunting (Emberiza cineracea)
- Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia)
- Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala)
- Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra)
Barcelona Birding Point Blog 