birding...

Basque Country has, to the north, a natural border with France formed by the foothills at the western edge of Pyrenees, that roll down to the coast of Gulf of Vizcaya.

Innand in the region, the mountain chains scarcely top 500 ft. The area can be divided into two different ecosystems: Atlantic and coastal influences in the north, and Mediterranean characteristics in the southern half. Because of this the region has an important number of resident bird species in the different biotopes: marine, coastal environment, inland wetlands, Atlantic forest, rocky mountain peaks and groves of evergreen oaks and scrub.

So, in Basque Country can be seen many of Europe's raptors such as: Eurasian Griffon, Egyptian Vulture, Golden Eagle, Red Kite, Black Kite, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Eagle, Hen Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Western Marsh-Harrier, Peregrine Falcon , Barn Owls and most of the Iberic Strigiformes.

There are also interesting Woodpecker populations with Eurasian Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Eurasian Wryneck and especially its high population of Middle Spotted Woodpecker in the Forest of Izki (Alava). Other birds include good numbers and variety of Larks, Thrushes, Bluethroats, Flycatchers, Pipits, Wagtails, and Shrikes, especially in the mountain range of Entzia and Badaia.

The region is within one of the main migration routes making Spring and Autumn the best seasons to visit. The coastal wetlands (Txingudi, not far from Donostia-San Sebastian and Urdaibai, next to Bilbao being the best) are bird magnets. It is also great at inland wetlands (top sites include Salburua, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, which make up part of the ‘green belt’ of the city and Laguardia in the middle of the wine production region of Rioja alavesa). In the north there are several natural parks such as Aiako Harria and Pagoeta worth a visit and in the centre of the region sites like Urkiola, Aralar, Gorbea and Aitzgorri have great birding. Top spots in the south include Sierra Salvada and Ordunte on the border with Cantabria, Rioja and Castilla. Montes de Izki on the border with Navarra is also very good.

Cape Machichaco (15 miles from Bilbao) and Cape Higuer (10 miles from Donostia-San Sebatian) are good points for birdwatching of pelagic migration.

Basques would like their region to be better known not only because their excellent wines and the large number of excellent gourmet restaurants, but also because its terrific birds, rolling green hills and beautiful landscapes.