Pyrenees Adventure: Day 7

Lammergeier Haliaeetus albicilla

 Friday 2 June

Our last day in the Pyrenees and all attention focused on driving eastwards to the other side of Jaca and up into the high mountains in search of that iconic, large vulture, the Lammergeire, also known as the Bearded Vulture.  Such a large, magnificent creature and we were not to be disappointed with at least a dozen close above us in addition to both Egyptian and Griffon Vultures.

In addition we also had Buzzard, Red and Black Kites and Booted Eagle as well as Alpine Chough and Ravens.  Cuckoos were calling and smaller birds included Bonelli's Warbler, Black Redstart, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher.

Egyptian Vulture Gypaetus barbatus

Having wandered around the abandoned village of Escuain we watched Common swifts and a great Spotted Woodpecker as we ate our picnic.  A Red-backed Shrike was resting n a bush immediately opposite us and we were surrounded by Wrens, Great and Blue Tits, White Wagtails and Kestrels to name but a few.

Griffon Vultures Gyps fulvus

Birds seen:

Red Kite, Black Kite, Lammergeier, Griffon Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Booted Eagle, Buzzard, Kestrel, Cuckoo, Common Swift, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Barn Swallow, House Martin, White Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Black Redstart, Blackbird, Blackcap, Bonelli's Warbler, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Spotted Flycatcher, Red-backed Shrike, Jay, Alpine Chough, Carrion Crow, Raven, Spotless Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Serin, 

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio

The Lammergeier (or Bearded Vulture) Haliaeetus albicilla

The Egyptian Vulture Gypaetus barbatus

The Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus

More Lammergeiers:

With Griffon Vulture above

With two Griffon Vultures

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