Gourmet Birds Destinations, Dates and Details, 2010

The Sierra Guara and the Spanish Pyrenees - 23 April - 1 May (nine nights)
This holiday starts in one of the most spectacular pre-Pyrenean massifs, with towering limestone cliffs and a rich variety of birds of prey. We can be confident of seeing lammergeiers, as the area has the densest population of these spectacular birds of anywhere in Europe. The family-run hotel we use is both charming and comfortable, and the food excellent. After five nights in the Sierra Guara we move higher into the Pyrenees, staying in the village of Sallent de Gállego. This will give us the chance to see a different selection of birds, and with luck we will find many of the mountain species like alpine accentor and alpine chough that we might not see in the Sierra Guara.

We fly to Zaragoza from Stansted with Ryanair (no one else flies there directly). The flight times are distinctly awkward: the outward flight leaves at 22.30, and arrives at 22.05, while the return leaves at 22.30 and gets in at 23.35, but perhaps a late return is better than an early morning start. Currently the return fare, including all the extra charges that Ryanair inflicts, is less than £100. The cost of the holiday is £985.

If you would like a detailed programme for any of these holidays, plus a more extensive species list, then please ask.