birding...

Black Kite Milvus migrans ©Joël Bruezière http://www.eyesonsky.com/birds.php

Basque Country has in it’s northern part a natural border with France formed by the western edge of Pyrenees low altitude reliefs, that finish breaking on the coast of Gulf of Vizcaya.

In land in our region, mountain chains scarcely top 500 ft. , dividing the territory in different ecosystems: Atlantic and coastal influence in the northern part, and Mediterranean characteristics in the southern half. So, the region has an important number of ornithological resident species in the different biotopes: marine, coastal environment, inland wetlands, Atlantic forest, rocky mountain peaks and groves of evergreen oaks with bushes.

In the Basque Country can be seen: 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 interesting Woodpecker populations : Eurasian Green Woodpecker, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Eurasian Wryneck... It is especially excellent in its population of Middle Spotted Woodpecker in the Forest of Izki (Alava). Larks, Thrushes, Solitaires, Bluethroats, flycatchers, Pipits, Wagtails, and Shrikes can also be seen, specially in the mountain range of Entzia and Badaia.

The fact that our region is within one of the main migration routes makes Spring and Autumn good seasons to visit coastal wetland (Txingudi, not far from Donostia-San Sebastian and Urdaibai, next to Bilbao), inland wetlands (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 northern part there are several natural parks such as: Aiako Harria and Pagoeta; in the medium zone: Urkiola, Aralar, Gorbea and Aitzgorri; in the southern part: Sierra Salvada and Ordunte in the limits with Cantabria, Rioja and Castilla. Montes de Izki in the border with Navarra.

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

We would like our region will be known not only because our wines the large number of excellent gourmet restaurants , but also because our birds, rolling green hills and beautiful landscapes.