Foray to Catalonia

5-6 March - A short trip to Catalonia with Stephen Christopher of Catalan Bird Tours, excellent at finding the birds and knowing their precise locations as he's guided in the region for many years. The first day was the better weather-wise, we headed up to the Pyrenees and after a short wait with the cloud lifting, we had good views of a Lammergeier as it cruised through the valley and circled several times - the shape, long tail and fairly narrow wings (compared with the more numerous Griffons) gives it a Falcon-like silhouette. We saw the "beard" that gives it the alternative name of "Bearded Vulture" and also watched the bird swoop down to a carcase and pick up a bone to take it and drop it, and eat the marrow inside - fascinating. Also seen - Griffons, Sparrowhawk and Buzzard, with Crested Tit and Firecrest in the pines and Crag Martins circling. The following morning, an early start for the steppes, a plethora of Larks here including several Dupont’s ( heard but not seen) and many Calandras, looking especially large in flight. A short distance away, a cliff has been a regular haunt for a wintering pair of Wallcreepers, and after just a few minutes of scanning we located the male, now beginning to moult into summer plumage. Excellent views, the bird descended to the base of the cliffs and fed at close range, the constant wing- flicking distinctive. A highlight of the trip. Also seen in the area - Black Wheatear, Egyptian Vulture, Little Owl, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, displaying Hen Harriers, and a very obliging Great Spotted Cuckoo, which presented a hairy caterpillar to the female as the ultimate courtship gift. A busy and successful couple of days.