We return to the plains of Lleida for a fantastic guided birdwatching excursion at one of the best times of the year to observe steppe birds. This extraordinary region, with its remarkable diversity of habitats and protected natural areas, offers one of the most rewarding and exciting birdwatching experiences in Catalonia.
The drylands of Lleida, with their vast agricultural landscapes, open fields and areas of natural vegetation, support an exceptional diversity of birdlife, including some of the most sought-after and emblematic species of the region, such as Little Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, European Roller, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Ortolan Bunting and Western Orphean Warbler, among many others. This remarkable variety of birds makes the area a true paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike.
Throughout the day, we will visit several key birdwatching locations, combining short drives with walks through the most interesting habitats. We will explore each area at a relaxed pace, taking the time to observe and identify the different species we encounter, while learning to recognise their distinctive features, songs and behaviour.
We will also enjoy the spectacular scenery of Lleida's drylands in the heart of spring, when bird activity is at its peak and opportunities for observation and photography are particularly rewarding. All this in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, sharing knowledge, experiences and our passion for birds.
A wonderful day filled with nature, exciting discoveries and unforgettable bird sightings in one of Catalonia's most fascinating birdwatching regions. Would you like to join us?
We will meet at 7:30 a.m. at the car park of the former airfield at Timoneda d'Alfés, located at the following coordinates: 41.550267, 0.651565.
Once everyone has arrived, we will begin exploring on foot some of the best areas of this remarkable steppe habitat, within the protected natural area of Secans de Mas de Melons-Alfés. Here, we will search for species such as Little Bustard, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Calandra Lark, Greater Short-toed Lark and Great Spotted Cuckoo, among many others. We will also listen carefully for the distinctive song of Dupont's Lark, a rare and threatened species with only a few breeding pairs remaining in the area, always respecting the designated paths, signs and appropriate distances to avoid disturbing the birds.
We will then return to our vehicles and head towards our second birdwatching location: Mas de Melons – Mas de Matxerri. As at our first stop, we will park our vehicles and explore the two main areas on foot. This fascinating landscape offers excellent opportunities to observe species such as Eurasian Stone-curlew, Black Wheatear, Spectacled Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Iberian Grey Shrike, Lesser Short-toed Lark, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Red-billed Chough and Stock Dove. With a little luck, we may even encounter the magnificent Eurasian Eagle-Owl.
Our third and final destination will take us to the Llobregós River, where we will once again leave our vehicles and follow a walking route through the surrounding habitats. Here, we will search for an exciting variety of birds, including Ortolan Bunting, Rock Sparrow, Tawny Pipit, Eurasian Wryneck, Blue Rock Thrush, Western Orphean Warbler, Dartford Warbler, Subalpine Warbler, Black-eared Wheatear, Short-toed Snake Eagle and Montagu's Harrier, among many others.
By mid-afternoon, after returning to our vehicles, we will begin our journey back, bringing our birdwatching excursion to an end after a rewarding day exploring some of the most remarkable steppe and Mediterranean habitats of the Lleida region.
Professional birdwatching guide from Icaro Birding Experience (Ferran López)
20–60x spotting scope
Personal insurance
Shared eBird checklist of all birds observed during the excursion
Each participant should bring their own packed breakfast and lunch, warm clothing (especially for the early morning hours), a hat or sunscreen, and binoculars. We will provide spotting scopes to enhance our birdwatching experience. It is also important to wear suitable footwear for walking along dirt tracks and trails.
Aparcament Timoneda d'Alfés
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